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 its 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.