White Turf - Champagne & Horse Racing on Frozen Lake

Thoroughbreds racing on a frozen lake at 1,800m altitude while you drink champagne on the ice. This has happened every February since 1907 (119 years). Over 30,000 people build a 130,000m² tent city on the lake for three Sundays. Laurent-Perrier VIP bars serve free-flowing champagne. There is nothing else like this on Earth.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Book VIP Area with Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar Wine · Price: very high

   Book VIP tickets (CHF 200-500+) at whiteturf.ch months ahead for Lake St. Moritz's three race Sundays in February — they include Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar access with free-flowing champagne, heated tent, tables, and VIP terrace directly on the frozen lake. You're drinking champagne on a frozen lake while horses race past. Choose the final 'Grand Prix of St. Moritz' Sunday for the climactic race and arrive early to secure terrace spot.

   Backup: General admission (cheaper) still lets you walk on the ice and buy champagne by the glass.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Walk Onto the Frozen Lake Between Races Adventure · Free

   Between race heats, step off the shore onto the ice of Lake St. Moritz — you're standing on what's usually 50 meters of deep water, frozen solid enough to support 30,000 people, a tent city, and racing horses. Between races (check program), spectators can walk the course. Find the track markers, stand where horses just galloped, and feel the cold through your boots. Look down — there's water beneath your feet.

   Backup: If walking isn't possible (crowd control), the VIP terrace is on the ice anyway.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Time It for Golden Hour Alpenglow Adventure · Free · Optional

   Around 15:30-16:00 in February, the low winter sun hits the surrounding peaks and the ice glows amber/gold — the champagne in your glass catches the light, the mountains turn pink. Check sunset time for your specific date, position yourself facing the mountains 30 minutes before golden hour with champagne in hand. This is the photograph.

   Backup: Even cloudy days create dramatic light on the white ice and snow.

   Log Memory