This winter’s most unmissable snow-based events

This winter’s most unmissable snow-based events

Words: Gentleman's Journal

Ever been skijoring on a frozen lake? Or thrown yourself head-first down an ice chute? Check into this winter’s most unmissable snow-based events.

GROOVE CAIRNGORM

Scotland is starting to make serious headway in its mission to become a bona fide skiing destination. OK, so it’s still a long way from stealing the devout away from France and Switzerland, but it’s by no means the laughing stock of winter sports it once was. Proving the point, the first resort-based snowsports festival to take place in Britain, Groove CairnGorm, launches in March this year.

The event takes place over the same weekend as the Scottish Freestyle Championships, so expect to see some of the UK’s top freestyle riders in action, before indulging in some après-ski until the wee hours with live music and world-class DJs.

The Groove CairnGorm takes place on 11 & 12 March. For tickets visit skiddle.com

WHITE TURF

ST. MORITZ, 22FEB15 - (VLNR) Decorum mit Leta Joos, Acteur de l'Ecu mit Erich Bottlang und Dreamspeed mit Franco Moro im 'Grand Prix Credit Suisse', einem Skikjoering Rennen ueber 2700 m, anlaesslich des 3. Renntages von White Turf in St. Moritz am 22. Februar 2015. Impression of the White Turf St. Moritz, the famous international horse races take place on the frozen lake of St. Moritz, Switzerland, February 22, 2015. swiss-image.ch/Photo Andy Mettler

(Photo: Andy Mettler)

It’s not often the race-card reads that the going is ‘snow’. But White Turf in St Moritz rips up the script of traditional grass courses, putting in its place a frozen snow-blanketed lake, surrounded by dramatic sun-kissed peaks. This is racing of a unique kind. As well as standard jockey-mounted races, crowds enjoy skijoring, which involves someone on skis being pulled by a horse. Skijoring first hit the resort almost 100 years ago when a couple of enterprising sports enthusiasts invented an all-new equestrian pastime.

Participating athletes require strength, athleticism, balance and instinct. White Turf has avalanched in recent years, attracting people from all corners of the globe. Although nippy, the comforts of racing that have made the likes of Ascot and Goodwood such firm calendar highlights are still intrinsic to the day, with gourmet catering, lively music and inspiring art exhibitions all part of the experience.

White Turf takes place on 7, 14 & 21 February. For tickets visit whiteturf.ch

THE CRESTA RUN

Cresta-3

(Photo: AWSA)

Fancy throwing yourself head-first down an ice chute at 80mph on a tea tray? Skeleton bobsleigh is one of the most electrifying sports on the planet, and its home is The Cresta Run in St Moritz. The run was first built in 1884 by what three years later would become the St Moritz Tobboganning Club, an amateur private club that has been a gathering place for gentleman adrenalin junkies ever since – former club presidents include Gianni Agnelli and Gunter Sachs.

The Cresta Run usually opens just before Christmas for around nine weeks until the end of February/early March. Visit cresta-run.com

(Main image: Andy Mettler)

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