La Peninsula

On the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz, 47 international horses thunder across the snow in one of Europe’s most exclusive winter sporting events.

There are winter destinations, and then there is St. Moritz.

Each February, this legendary alpine resort transforms into a stage for one of the most extraordinary sporting spectacles in the world: White Turf St. Moritz 2026, where international horse racing unfolds on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

For travelers searching for luxury winter travel in Switzerland, exclusive European winter events, and unforgettable alpine experiences, White Turf delivers a rare combination of sport, sophistication, gastronomy, and global glamor.

International Horse Racing on a Frozen Lake

The 2026 season opens with 47 horses from four countries competing across six races in the disciplines of gallop, trot, and Skikjöring. A total of 104,000 Swiss francs in prize money reinforces the sporting prestige of this internationally recognized winter event.

The 1,300-meter sprint, the highlight of the first race Sunday, awards 25,000 Swiss francs and draws elite thoroughbreds from across Europe. Returning contenders Rogue Spirit and Hungary’s Surprise of Easter face formidable rivals, including German snow specialist Scipio and promising Swiss newcomers Tyson and Beau Gars.

Trotting races add further international intrigue, with Bavarian standout Fourteenth of July competing against a powerful field of Swiss and European challengers. Yet the most visually arresting discipline remains Skikjöring, a world-exclusive tradition unique to St. Moritz. In this breathtaking sport, a skier is pulled at high speed by a riderless thoroughbred across the snow-covered track. Two-time defending champion Valeria Schiergen returns in pursuit of a historic third consecutive title, facing fierce competition from internationally experienced contenders.

For global audiences searching for unique winter travel experiences in Europe, this is not merely a race; it is Alpine theater at its most dramatic.

A Lifestyle Destination Beyond Sport

White Turf is more than a sporting event. It is a defining moment of the St. Moritz luxury vacation season.

Opening Day welcomes families and visitors behind the scenes with guided tours, panel discussions with race leadership, and immersive programming that blends sport with community tradition. The celebrated Family Days continue throughout February, offering children the opportunity to experience mounted Skikjöring and interactive winter activities, all complimentary.

This balance of exclusivity and accessibility defines the White Turf atmosphere: champagne in hand, tailored wool coats against alpine air, and panoramic mountain views reflecting off crystalline snow.

For those planning a luxury ski holiday in the Swiss Alps, White Turf enhances the destination’s already iconic appeal, pairing world-class skiing, designer boutiques, five-star hotels, and Michelin-level dining with one of the world's most glamorous winter sporting events.

Fine Dining on Ice: A Culinary Destination in Itself

In 2026, White Turf expands its luxury footprint with the debut of “Atelier 6,” a fine-dining pop-up located directly on Lake St. Moritz. Led by top chef Niklas Oberhofer in collaboration with Zurich-based creative agency Marc WHO?, the concept introduces an elevated culinary experience set against the frozen racetrack.

Seating up to eighty guests indoors and outdoors, with an exclusive Chef’s Table overlooking the course, Atelier 6 becomes the only restaurant positioned directly on the lake, redefining fine dining in St. Moritz and reinforcing the destination’s reputation for luxury experiential travel.

Longtime partner GAMMACATERING continues its 35-year tradition as the official catering partner, welcoming over a thousand VIP guests each race weekend within an elegant tented enclave on the ice.

Global Prestige and International Reach 

The global footprint of White Turf continues to expand. In 2026, a fully revamped livestream will broadcast all race days worldwide. The third race on Sunday (February 15) will air live on Swiss free-to-air television via Swiss Sport TV, while a partnership with Japanese platform Netkeiba extends viewership to Asia.

Adding further prestige, Aston Martin joins as the official Car Partner for 2026, providing the support vehicle on the lake and sponsoring a trotting race during each race weekend, a seamless alignment of precision engineering and elite sport.

For international travelers researching the best winter destinations in Europe 2026, White Turf represents the intersection of tradition, innovation, and unmistakable Alpine luxury.

The Ultimate Swiss Alps Winter Escape

Grandstand tickets for the first race day are already sold out, with the third race on Sunday fully booked, a testament to the enduring magnetism of this singular event. Limited VIP access remains for select weekends, while standing and inner oval tickets are still available.

White Turf St. Moritz is not simply about horse racing. It is about atmosphere, the Engadin light (Engadin, referring to a specific region in Switzerland), casting long shadows over the ice, the quiet drama of snow against hoofbeats, the refinement of European winter culture at its most polished.

In a world saturated with spectacle, White Turf St. Moritz 2026 remains authentic, elegant, and singular, a defining experience for discerning travelers seeking luxury travel in Switzerland, iconic alpine events, and unforgettable winter moments in the Swiss Alps.

There is winter, and then there is St. Moritz.