Winter sports runs the gamut from the bizarre (shovel racing), the extreme (Jeep ice racing) and the traditional. Personally, I like to check out sports in all three categories. One that I find interesting is snow polo.
Here is a quick overview on what the sport entails and where you can go to watch it:
History of Winter Polo
Although the sport of polo has been around for well over 2,000 years, snow polo has not. It made its first appearance at the Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland during the mid-1980s. The basic premise of the game is the same as traditional polo. Players on horseback use a mallet to whack a ball between posts in an effort to score points. The differences are that there are fewer players and modified equipment is used. The modified equipment consists of a large plastic ball, cleated horseshoes and cold weather appropriate outerwear for the riders.
Where You Can Watch Winter Polo
You can opt to watch snow polo events online or in person. The videos are readily available on YouTube. As far as watching in person, there are three places that I know of where you can go to catch a tournament. The first is St. Moritz in Switzerland. Each year the region hosts the Polo World Cup on Snow during the month of January. In 2012 it is scheduled to be held from Jan. 26-29 on Lake St. Mortiz. Ticket prices vary.
The second is the Annual Klosters Snow Polo Tournament. It is considered one of the more unique snow polo events because some of the games take place in the evenings. It is scheduled to take place Jan. 18-22 in Klosters, Switzerland. General admission is gratis. In addition to the tournament, there will be an Altitude Festival held as well. The Altitude Festival will include live musical entertainment by Duran Duran and Pegasus. Those wishing to attend the festival portion of the event should be prepared to pay a hefty admission fee ($90 USD).
The third is the USPA World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen. Colo. It is an annual event that is typically held in December. Unfortunately, in 2011 one of the polo horses was injured during the event and had to be euthanized. The horse’s injury opened up discussions about changing elements of next year’s events. Those interested in attending the 2012 event should keep their eyes open for future announcements.
My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Jeep Ice Racing in Georgetown, Colorado, Provides Extreme Entertainment
Lake City Ice Climbing Festival Set for Feb 4, 2012, in Colorado
Alaska’s Annual Fur Rondy Festival Promises Winter Sports Fun in 2012
Empire State Winter Games to Kickoff Feb 2nd in Lake Placid, NY