Every year in February, horse fans meet high up at over 1,700 meters above sea level on Lake St. Moritz for the White Turf, which is held on three race Sundays: gallop, hurdle and trotting races. And the most special and probably most popular discipline with spectators: skijoring.
It is said that in 1906, for the first time, 13 brave men let themselves be pulled from St. Moritz to the neighboring village of Champfér and back on skis by unridden, galloping horses. A year later, the race was moved to Lake St. Moritz and became part of the White Turf.
Over the years, skijoring has developed into a crowd-puller at White Turf. This is primarily due to the spectacle that skijoring offers. At speeds of up to 50 km/h, the riders have to keep the horses under control over a distance of 2.7 kilometers, which requires strength, fitness and, above all, skiing skills. It is not for nothing that the winner of the Skikjöring race, i.e. the one who has collected the most points over the three race Sundays, is called the "King of the Engadine".
But the White Turf is not just about horse racing. The event has long since developed into a happening. In addition to culinary delights, the 130,000 m² tent city on the frozen Lake St. Moritz offers live music on various stages, shopping, a children's paradise and art exhibitions.
This combination of equestrian sport and spectator entertainment is a winner: In recent years, 35,000 spectators have flocked to the Upper Engadine for White Turf over the three weeks.
WHITE TURF MEETING 2018
February 4 to 18, 2018, St. Moritz
TICKETS
