Asher on Aspen: Why snow polo in Aspen is winter’s hottest ticket

I can’t think of a more glamorous event in Aspen than the annual two-day Snow Polo tournament at Rio Grande Park. The crisp winter air carries the faint smell of horses, mingling with the aromas of mulled wine and luxury perfumes. It’s a scene of contradictions: raw nature and opulent indulgence.

Aspen’s Snow Polo tournament, hosted by the Aspen Valley Polo Club, is as much about the spectacle as it is the sport. Now in its 12th year, the event draws some of the world’s best polo players and a roster of celebrities that make headlines. Nacho Figueras and Nic Roldan — icons in the polo world — graced the snowy field this year while celebrities like Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick, and Shaun White were spotted in the VIP tents. Past years have seen appearances by the likes of Kate Hudson and Mariah Carey — a testament to the tournament’s reputation as the only event of its kind in North America.

The crowd? A living, breathing mosaic of winter chic. Almost everyone seemed to be crowned with a Kemo Sabe hat and draped in long fur coats, many of which bore the unmistakable touch of Lindsey Thornburg. It’s a fashion showdown, where the true power move is mastering effortless understatement. But don’t let the elegance fool you; this is a place for people who want to be seen. And trust me, they succeed.

As I made my way through the crowd, I caught snippets of conversations that could’ve been scripted for a satirical series about the ultra-wealthy. “My name is Eric, but my friends call me ‘Mr. Super Yacht,'” one man announced with unflinching seriousness. Another child’s voice floated over the champagne flutes: “Mom, I have caviar stuck in my teeth.” It’s Aspen, darling.

The weather, to my relief, was perfect. Just cold enough to justify the layers of luxury without making you regret venturing outdoors. The snow’s pristine white blanket reflected the day’s golden light, giving everything a dreamlike quality. On the field, the competition was fierce, the players commanding their horses with a precision that bordered on hypnotic. Snow polo is not for the faint of heart. The intimate playing field, the oversized red ball flying through the air, and the unpredictable snowy terrain are all part of what makes the game thrilling to watch.

The celebrity match, of course, stole the show. Nacho Figueras, as dashing in real life as he appears in Ralph Lauren ads, took the field alongside Nic Roldan, and a few other notables. For a moment, it felt like the boundaries between Aspen’s high society and the rest of us had dissolved. Though let’s be honest, when Rebel Wilson is laughing in the VIP tent, it’s hard not to feel like an extra in someone else’s feature film.

Inside the VIP area through the velvet rope, glasses clink, laughter bubbles up, and the hors d’oeuvres — caviar included —flow freely. Outside, the general admission crowd stood lining the arena, cheering for the players and occasionally snapping selfies against the dramatic backdrop of Aspen Mountain.

This year’s Snow Polo felt like stepping into a curated fantasy, where every detail — from the chilled air to the glittering scene — conspired to create an unforgettable experience. The balance of raw competition and refined elegance is what makes this event so uniquely Aspen and why it continues to captivate all who attend.