The game of Polo is typically played on a grass field, but
it can also be played on other surfaces, including sand, dirt, and snow. Snow Polo
is played on horseback and involves teams of players trying to score goals by
hitting a ball into the opponent's goal using mallets. The rules of the game
are generally the same as on grass, however, playing on a snowy surface can be
more challenging, as the snow can make it difficult for the players to control
the ball and the horses.
There are a few places where snow polo is played, including:
St. Moritz, Switzerland: St.
Moritz is known for hosting the annual Snow Polo World Cup, which is held on
the frozen Lake St. Moritz.
Kitzbühel, Austria: The town,
which is in the Austrian Alps, hosts an annual snow polo tournament called the
Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup. The event attracts top polo players from around
the world and is one of the most prestigious snow polo tournaments. It is held
on a frozen lake in the heart of Kitzbühel, and in addition to the polo
matches, the event also features live music, food, and other entertainment.
Aspen, Colorado, USA: Aspen host
the Snow Polo World Championship every year, and it is a popular destination
for winter sports. This is the most important Snow Polo tournament in USA.
Other ski resorts: Some ski resorts around the world offer snow polo as a recreational activity for guests.
Snow polo is a high-level equestrian sport that requires a
combination of horsemanship, athleticism, and strategy, and many players have
excelled at the game. Some of the top players in the sport include:
Nacho Figueras: A professional
polo player from Argentina, Figueras is known for his skills on the field and
his role as a polo ambassador.
Adolfo Cambiaso: Another
Argentine player, Cambiaso is considered one of the best polo players of all
time and has won numerous awards and tournaments.
Chris Hyde: For many years he was
the only 10 goal players in arena and won more Snow Polo tournament than any
other making it his specialty.
Nic Roldan: An American player,
Roldan has won numerous tournaments and is considered one of the top players in
the sport.
The game is constantly evolving, and new players are always
emerging as top contenders. Max Charlton and Hilario Figueras are the new top
polo players to be watching on snow, having showed their incredible skills in
the last tournaments in Switzerland and Colorado.
As with any sport, there is a risk of injury, and playing
polo on a snowy surface or a frozen lake can present additional challenges and
risks. It is important to ensure that the snow is groomed and packed down
properly to create a safe and level playing field. Players also wear
appropriate protective gear, such as polo helmets, polo boots and knee pads, to
help reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, it is important to follow all
safety rules and guidelines for the game, such as not riding too closely to
other players or horses.
In addition to the action on the field, snow polo events and
tournaments often feature other activities and entertainment, such as music,
food, and beverages, which can add to the fun and festive atmosphere. Whether
you are a fan of polo or simply enjoy watching horsemanship and sportsmanship
in action, snow polo can be a fun and exciting spectacle to watch.