40TH SNOW POLO WORLD CUP ST. MORITZ 2025

Join the fun and excitement January 24-26 in beautiful St. Moritz Switzerland! 

What Is Snow Polo?

Well, it is basically playing polo on a frozen lake instead of grass! There are four players on each team. The captain leads the team’s tactics and usually wears number 3. Number 4, also known as back, controls the defense. The other two players are attackers.

 

In high-goal snow polo, a match will normally consist of four chukkas lasting 7½ minutes each except for the last one which is 7 minutes. In any one match, a pony may only be played in a maximum of two, non-consecutive chukkas.

120 Polo Ponies are brought in from  Spain, France, Germany, and England a few days before the tournament so they can acclimatize to the cold temperatures. It looks like even the stalls are heated!

What To Wear To The Snow Polo World Cup

LILIBETH Mixed-media shearling down parka by Mackage

I see Rebecca in this!

Can’t make it to St. Moritz? Host your own Snow Polo Party. We’ve got you covered!

Snow Polo Soirée: How to Host an Elegant Après-Match Gathering

You can live-stream all the action from St. Moritz with the Badrutt Webcam here!

 

Step into the world of snow polo, where the thrill of the match meets the glamour of après festivities. Inspired by the St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup, this guide will help you recreate the luxurious ambiance of a snow polo match gathering in your own home.

From cozy cocktails to equestrian-inspired decor, it’s time to toast the winter season in style.

1. Setting the Scene: Snow Polo Chic

The Vibe: Upscale lodge meets equestrian charm.

 

Decor Ideas:

• Tablescape:
  • Use antlers, pheasant feathers, and soft glowing candles.
  • Add equestrian touches like miniature horse figurines, polo mallets, or leather accents.
• Cozy Elements:
  • Faux fur throws and velvet cushions.
  • Warm lighting with lanterns or string lights

 

 

Entrance: Greet guests with champagne, and let the festivities begin.

Let’s Play Snow Polo Pong!

Rules & Gameplay

1. Standard Play

• Play as regular beer pong, but with the champagne coupes and a snowy theme
  

• Aim to bounce the orange ping pong ball into the cups row 
• The team drinks from their  Snow Polo Spritz when a cup is sunk, and the water cup is removed.

2. Frozen Cup Rule

• If the ball lands in a frozen cup, it counts for 2

3. Snowflake Re-rack

• Each team gets one re-rack (excluding the goal shot). Once you get down to 7 cups, you can rerack into a snow-flake (aka the honeycomb)

4. The Mallet Goal Shot

• Once a team has only two cups left, they can activate the Mallet Goal Shot
• Rearrange the last two cups into a goal shape with space between them
• Instead of throwing, the team must use a mini polo mallet to hit the ball through the goal to win the game instantly
• Each team can only attempt this once
• Mini mallet https://www.amazon.com/12-Wooden-Polo-Mallet-Set/dp/B0CLWPKBCW 
  

5. The Prize

• The winning team of each round is the team to beat. Once every team has been defeated, the ultimate winning team gets the prize
• Each player on the winning team gets a customized mini bottle of champagne

• 

  

• Tie to the champagne bottles https://thetotalequestrian.com/products/tan-plaid-polo-mallet-gold-plated

                                            For Your Equestrian Epicureans

Hot Toddy Bar

Set-Up

• Heat Sources: Use insulated carafes, tea dispensers, or slow cookers to keep the tea bases hot.
• Station Decor: Stick to a snow polo theme by using silver and white accents, frosted greenery, and wooden trays for an upscale, wintry vibe.

Base Teas 

1. Spiced Chai (bold and warming)
2. Earl Grey (classic and refined)
3. Rooibos Vanilla (caffeine-free, cozy)
4. Ginger-Lemon Herbal Tea (bright and zesty)
5. Smoky Lapsang Souchong (for adventurous guests)

Spirits

1. Whiskey (Bourbon, rye, or scotch)
2. Dark Rum
3. Brandy or Cognac                                                          

Sweeteners

• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Date Syrup
• Agave Syrup

Citrus Options

• Lemon Slices
• Orange Slices
• Dried Citrus Wheels

Spices and Garnishes

• • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Star Anise
  • Whole Cloves
  • Fresh Ginger Slices
  • Nutmeg (with a microplane for fresh grating)

• Dehydrated Apple Slices 

 

Instructions for Guests

1. Choose Your Tea Base: Guests pour their preferred tea into a heatproof glass or mug
2. Add Spirit: A bartender or guest adds their chosen spirit
3. Sweeten It: Guests stir in their favorite sweetener
4. Garnish: Top with a cinnamon stick, citrus slice, or star anise for flavor and presentation

 

Display Notes

• Display mugs so guests can serve themselves.
• Label the tea dispensers or carafes and garnishes for clarity.
• Use tiered trays or wooden boards for garnishes and sweeteners.
• Provide mixing tools like spoons and honey dippers.
• Add elegant touches like snowflakes, faux snow, frosted pinecones & greenery, small wooden sleds, or polo mallets for a snow polo-inspired aesthetic.

The Recipe

Naughty and Nice Cinnamon Toddy.

(click the link above)

Fondue Bar

Offer three types of fondue:

1. Savory Cheese Fondue
2. Broth for Cooking Meats (Savory Hot Pot Style)
3. Decadent Chocolate Fondue

Each station is styled with white and silver serving ware, ski lodge-inspired touches (wooden boards, mini sleds for serving trays), and snowy elements like frosted greenery or faux snow.

Set-Up & Equipment

• Fondue Pots: Use electric or flame-fueled pots to maintain consistent heat.
• Small Plates: White porcelain or clear glass for an elegant touch.
• Skewers/Forks: Provide reusable stainless steel fondue forks or biodegradable wooden skewers (polo mallet skewers if possible).
• Theming: Add white faux fur or cozy fabric table runners for a wintery ski chalet vibe. Include small signs to label each fondue type.
• Serving Platters: Arrange dipping items on wooden charcuterie boards or mirrored trays for a refined look.

Cheese Fondue Station

Ingredients:

• Fondue Cheese Mix:
  • 50% Gruyère
  • 50% Emmental
  • 1 cup dry white wine per pot (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc)
  • Garlic, nutmeg, and a splash of Kirsch (cherry brandy)

Dipping Items:

1. Breads: Sourdough cubes, baguette slices, pretzel bites
2. Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cherry tomatoes
3. Proteins: Cubed ham, cocktail sausages
4. Extras: Apples, pears, roasted potatoes

Display Notes:

• Arrange breads and vegetables in neat rows on wooden boards
• Serve in front of a small mountain-themed backdrop or a miniature wooden ski slope for fun

The Recipe

Traditional Cheese Fondue

(click the link above for the recipe)

Meat Fondue Station

Ingredients:

• Broth Base Options:
  • Beef stock with garlic, rosemary, and thyme
  • Chicken stock with ginger and lemongrass
  • Vegetarian broth with miso and scallions

Meats (pre-portioned for easy skewering):

1. Red: Beef tenderloin or venison
2. Poultry: Ostrich or chicken breast 
3. Seafood: Shrimp or scallops
4. Vegan: Tofu or mushrooms

Sauces for Dipping:

• Horseradish cream sauce
• Chimichurri
• Teriyaki glaze
• Dijon mustard sauce
• Garlic aioli

Display Notes:

• Serve meats in labeled bowls over ice to keep fresh
• Include small burners with broth-filled fondue pots in front of a rustic wooden display

Classic Meat Fondue

(click the link above for the recipe)

Chocolate Fondue Station

Ingredients:

• Chocolate Base:
  • Dark chocolate with heavy cream (classic and rich).
  • Milk chocolate with hazelnut liqueur for a sweeter option
  • White chocolate with vanilla or a splash of amaretto

Dipping Items:

1. Fruits: Strawberries, pineapple, banana slices, raspberries
2. Baked Goods: Marshmallows, brownies, pound cake cubes, biscotti.
3. Savory-Sweet Options: Pretzels, potato chips
4. Other Treats: Coconut macaroons, Oreos, graham crackers

Display Notes:

• Place fruit on tiered stands for height variation
• Use metallic or frosted bowls for marshmallows and baked goods

Chocolate Fondue Dessert

(click the link above for the recipe)

Crank up The Tunes With “The Greatest Winter Jazz Tunes” On Spotify!

Be Creative…Have Fun!

If you’re in our neighborhood… Over 50 ice sculptures! Grab a warm drink and admire the ice masterpieces around “The Diamond” in Ligonier, PA!

                                      Friday, January 24, 2025, 12:00 PM – Sunday, January 26, 2025, 5:00 PM (EST)