Nothing screams rich and grandeur quite like White Turf in St. Moritz – aka a bunch of horse racing happening on top of a frozen Swiss lake.
Few sports hold the elegance, praise and prowess of horse racing. Add snow and a world-class location to the mix and you’ve got yourself peak entertainment for the wealthy. In other words; the White Turf Race in St- Moritz.
It’s no easy feat to race a horse, but doing so on a frozen lake is like trying to balance a cup of tea on your head while tap dancing… sort of. It’s a craft difficult to perfect but beautiful to watch, which is perhaps why the White Turf races are such an integral part of the St. Moritz‘s winter activities. Want to know something that makes it all the more impressive? The whole shenanigan happens on top of a 765,000 sqm lake, with a depth of 44m, and ice of 40 to 80 cm thickness. With the stunning Swiss Alps as a backdrop and horses thundering down a frozen lake, it’s a sight that’s sure to leave you breathless.
There’s different types of races taking place during White Turf. You have the galloping race – the most traditional and has been going on since 1911. Then, there’s skijoring, which is like watching men play a bizarre game of catch-up behind their speedy horses. And let’s not forget the trotting races, where racers are equipped with a sledge-type structure that attaches to the horses themselves. Talk about inventive.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a horse race without a bit of betting. And the St. Moritz White Turf is no exception. With some of the world’s top horses competing, the stakes are high and the excitement is palpable. So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for a bit of fun, placing a bet on your favorite horse is an absolute must.
When the excitement of the racing events die down, the party comes to life. Hosting exceptional gatherings to see and be seen, the champagne flows, the cuisine delights and the guests dance the cold away. With such luxury and exuberance populating the Swiss destination, celebrities frequenting White Turf comes as no surprise. We’ve seen the likes of tennis payer Rafa Nadal or supermodel Naomi Campbell.
So there you have it, The St. Moritz White Turf Races – where the thrill of horse racing meets the magic of winter wonderland. Let’s face it, nothing screams elegance and grandeur quite like racing a horse on a frozen lake.
White Turf is taking place in St. Moritz on the 5th, 12th and 19th of February 2023.