The regal sport of polo is traditionally associated with manicured grass pitches and warm-weather destinations, but in the Austrian Alps it takes on a very different form.
For a winter sports trip with a difference, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup in Kitzbühel offers the chance to watch some of the world’s leading polo players compete on snow, surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Austrian Tirol.
The 24th edition of the tournament will take place from 15-17 January 2027, bringing three days of equestrian action and entertainment to one of Europe’s best-known winter destinations.
Snow polo in the Austrian Alps
Set against the backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup combines high-speed sporting action with the stylish atmosphere for which Kitzbühel is famous.
Eight teams and around 140 horses are expected to participate across the wider polo programme.
Snow polo differs slightly from the traditional version of the sport. Matches feature three players per team and are contested on a smaller pitch, with specially trained polo horses racing across the snow as riders attempt to hit the ball through their opponents’ goal.
Away from the matches, spectators can enjoy dining and entertainment as part of the event programme, making the tournament as much a winter social occasion as a sporting competition.
The Snow Polo World Cup also comes at the heart of a busy January sporting calendar in Kitzbühel. It follows the Kitzbühel Polo Cup, which takes place from 8-10 January 2027.
Just days later, attention turns from horses to skis for one of the biggest events on the Alpine skiing calendar, with Kitzbühel hosting its famous Hahnenkamm races.
Make a winter break of it
The tournament also provides an excuse to spend a few days exploring Kitzbühel and the surrounding Tirol region.
One of Austria’s most famous Alpine destinations, Kitzbühel combines skiing and winter activities with a historic medieval town centre, restaurants, bars and luxury hotels.
Visitors can spend their days watching snow polo before exploring the town or heading into the mountains, making it an easy event to incorporate into a longer winter sports holiday.
For those looking to base a trip around the tournament, a three-night stay at Henri Hotel, arriving on 15 January 2027, is priced from £435 per person. The price is based on two people sharing a double room and includes breakfast, with flights and transfers extra.
Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup 2027
When: 15-17 January 2027
Where: Kitzbühel, Tirol, Austria
Website: kitzbuehel.com