The St. Regis Aspen Snow Polo World Championship in 2025 was a dazzling affair, attracting a constellation of stars to the picturesque mountain town. This annual event, now in its 13th year, has solidified its reputation as a premier winter kickoff, seamlessly blending high-stakes sport with opulent festivities. From the welcome reception to the thrilling final match, and the glamorous after-parties, attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience in an atmosphere where reality seemed to gracefully merge with fantasy.
The snow-covered fields of Rio Grande Park became the epicenter of excitement, hosting not only seasoned polo players but also a surprising royal participant. The event’s allure extended beyond the sport, with a host of celebrities adding to the glamour, enjoying the unique ambiance and the series of sophisticated social gatherings. This year's championship, by all accounts, set a new benchmark for winter festivities in Aspen, promising a season filled with unparalleled excitement and luxury.
The Star-Studded Snow Polo Extravaganza
The 2025 St. Regis Aspen Snow Polo World Championship captivated a remarkable array of celebrities and public figures, transforming Aspen into a vibrant hub of high-profile gatherings. This annual spectacle, which has grown significantly over the past 13 years, marked the unofficial start of the winter season with an exclusive series of events. It commenced with a lavish welcome reception at the St. Regis Aspen’s Paradis Suite, where guests like Olympic snowboarder Shaun White enjoyed Hennessy Paradis cocktails in the company of Kitty, the hotel's beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, setting a tone of elegant celebration and conviviality.
The main event, held at Rio Grande Park, saw the local sports grounds transformed into North America's premier snow polo venue, specially blanketed with snow for the occasion. Prized ponies, expertly fitted with specialized horseshoes, were brought in from the nearby Aspen Valley Polo Club, ready for action. The polo matches featured some of the sport's most esteemed figures, including Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Nic Roldan, and Nacho Figueras. A major highlight was the unexpected participation of Prince Harry, who, despite initially remaining low-key, quickly became a focal point when sideline commentators, referring to him as Harry Wales, announced his presence, drawing significant attention from the eager crowd. This year’s championship blended athletic prowess with a touch of royal intrigue, solidifying its status as a must-attend event.
Beyond the Polo Field: Social Soirees and Celebrity Sightings
The St. Regis Aspen Snow Polo World Championship wasn't just about the sport; it was a grand social spectacle that extended into exclusive parties and unforgettable celebrity encounters. Stars such as Phoebe Dynevor, acclaimed for her role in Bridgerton, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, cheering for St. Regis while also admitting a soft spot for Prince Harry. The St. Regis cabana became a magnet for A-listers, hosting Colman Domingo, supermodels Martha Hunt and Sara Sampaio, and long-time Aspen residents Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. The iconic couple, dressed in their finest American West attire, entertained guests with captivating anecdotes from both Aspen's past and Hollywood's golden era, all while enjoying Bloody Marys.
The event’s organizers aimed to create an immersive, dream-like atmosphere, a sentiment echoed by George Fleck of St. Regis, who described it as a world less real and more fantastic. Adding to the star power, Mikey Madison, Rebel Wilson, Pom Klementieff, and designer Lindsey Thornburg were spotted observing the proceedings. The festivities reached a crescendo with the arrival of Mariah Carey, whose entrance was met with a DJ serenading her with "All I Want for Christmas Is You," promptly turning spectator mode into an impromptu dance party and sing-along. The celebration continued into the evening with a pre-dinner disco at Caviar Kaspia at The Snow Lodge, featuring Oscar-winning actress Madison in a Western-inspired corseted gown and Domingo in his luxurious fur coat. Guests indulged in ice-cold Hennessy 'X Press O' shots, a vibrant DJ set by Jack Abrams, and, as expected, caviar served in myriad ways. The championship concluded with Figueras and his sons, Hilario and Artemo, clinching victory, with Hilario earning the MVP title, solidifying the event's reputation as the ultimate kickoff to Aspen's winter season.
