An inside look at North America’s most exclusive winter game
Words by THE C MAGAZINE EDITORS
Photography by ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS
In California, Polo culture is defined by sunny days, big-brimmed hats, and spending most of the time in the VIP tent sipping champagne and browsing through the goods from the bevy of sponsors (Lucchese cowboy boots anyone? Perhaps a new Maserati?). No one totally understands the rules, nor really pays attention to the score, but it’s always the best excuse for some fun in the sun.
However, this winter, it was time to leave the raffia at home as loads of Californians donned cashmere beanies and monochromatic snow outfits and headed northeast for the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen.
Now in its 10th year, the two-date event, held at Rio Grande Park Dec. 20–21, is North America’s only snow polo event and was the official mark of the holiday festive season. Attendees included longtime friends Kate Hudson and Sara Foster, along with their respective spouses, Danny Fujikawa and Tommy Haas; Olympian Shaun White; stylist Tina Leung; Hilary Rhoda; Rebel Wilson; Tina Craig; Allie Teilz; and of course, St. Regis Connoisseur (brand ambassador) and polo icon Nacho Figueras, along with his wife, Delfina Blaquier, and their son Hillario, who also took up his mallet for the occasion.
Unlike traditional polo events on the West Coast, this one took place on a snow-topped field, which guests could view from inside the St. Regis marquee, a custom outfitted mountain chalet complete with cozy decor. Chandeliers made from antlers and decorated with magnolia, tufted leather and plush velvet sofas, tartan plaid accents and fluffy throws were all part of the chic lodge ambience. When it came to dining, The St. Regis Aspen Resort provided a raw bar, tomato soup, a taco station (a preview of what’s to come at the forthcoming St. Regis Kanai in Riviera Maya), a Bloody Mary bar and desserts like a gingerbread layer cake.
The temperatures may have been lower, but just like the polo events on the West Coast, a fun time was had by all—regardless of the score. st-regis.marriott.com.
January 20, 2023.
Discover more CULTURE news.
