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Some events are made for the sport. Others are made for the spectacle. The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is both; a thrilling display of equestrian skill and a long weekend where the Alps feel like the centre of the social universe.
Each August, lush mountain fields are transformed into an elegant arena, framed by snow-tipped peaks, lined with white tents, and filled with the soft pop of champagne corks. Here, the air is crisp, the polo is fast, and the guest list is an effortless mix of world-class players, royalty, and those who simply appreciate the finer things in life.
The Prestige of the Event
Launched in the mid-1990s, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the polo calendar. Only four elite teams compete, which makes every match feel like a final. The association with Hublot is more than sponsorship – it’s a meeting of two worlds obsessed with precision, performance, and flair.
On the field, there’s the thrill of watching 1,000-pound horses gallop at full tilt while riders flick the ball with impossible accuracy. Off the field, Hublot takes the opportunity to showcase exclusive timepieces, sometimes unveiling special editions inspired by Gstaad’s alpine setting.
Gstaad – An Alpine Stage for Luxury
Gstaad is a place where the phrase “picture-perfect” doesn’t do it justice. In summer, the snow gives way to emerald pastures dotted with chalets, while boutique storefronts sparkle with the latest from Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and of course, Hublot.
The polo grounds are a short drive from the village centre, and for those arriving in style, helicopter transfers land just beyond the field. Between chukkas, you might wander past a watchmaking demonstration, a fine art display, or a discreet jewellery showcase – all designed for guests who expect luxury to be woven seamlessly into the experience.
The Polo Experience
The alpine pitch is smaller than most, which means the action is intense and constant. You feel every gallop, every tackle, every goal – all within arm’s reach of the sidelines.
For those in the VIP terraces, the experience is as much about comfort as it is about the view: shaded seating with soft linens, attentive staff topping up glasses, and a menu that reads more like a fine dining restaurant than a sports event.
One of the weekend’s signature moments is the ceremonial parade of players in full regalia, which takes place before key matches, adding a flourish of tradition and pageantry to the competition.
Style and Fashion
If Wimbledon is the benchmark for summer elegance in sport, Gstaad’s polo weekend is its alpine cousin. Grandstand guests often opt for easy sophistication – crisp white dresses, linen shirts, and espadrilles – while VIP terraces call for something a touch more polished: silk dresses in jewel tones, tailored blazers, and wide-brimmed hats that make a statement without shouting.
There’s no official dress code, but here, style is a given. Expect to see Hublot ambassadors in bespoke tailoring, international socialites in head-to-toe designer, and more than a few street-style-worthy looks that blend sport and sophistication.
Culinary Excellence and Hospitality
This is where the Gold Cup truly shines. VIP hospitality often starts with champagne receptions by Laurent-Perrier or Ruinart, followed by multi-course menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. Think hand-dived scallops with alpine herbs, truffle-infused risottos, and desserts that are as much art as indulgence.
Wines are curated by expert sommeliers, and every table has a dedicated service team. For those who linger after the matches, there are evening soirées in the village – intimate dinners at The Alpina Gstaad’s Sommet restaurant or lively gatherings at the Gstaad Palace’s GreenGo nightclub, where the atmosphere shifts from refined to electric.
Travel and Accommodation
Most guests extend their stay beyond the tournament, turning the trip into a summer alpine escape. The Alpina Gstaad is a sanctuary for those who prefer discreet luxury – suites with private terraces overlooking the valley, an award-winning Six Senses Spa, and curated cultural experiences.
The Gstaad Palace, with its turreted façade, offers old-world glamour, impeccable service, and the kind of grand hotel experience that feels timeless. Getting here is part of the allure – many fly into Geneva or Zurich and take a private helicopter directly to Gstaad, while others enjoy the scenic drive through the Swiss countryside in a chauffeured Bentley or Porsche.
Insider Tips
Book your accommodation and VIP passes months in advance – the demand is high, and the best spots go fast. If you want to see the sport up close, request a seat at the front of the VIP terrace.
For the most photogenic moments, don’t miss the parade of teams on Friday, or the split-second after a goal when both horse and rider seem suspended in time.
And if you’re looking to extend your trip, combine the polo with a few days in nearby Montreux or even further in Zermatt for a full sweep of Swiss summer charm.
A Celebration of Sport and Style
The Hublot Polo Gold Cup is not just about polo – it’s about living beautifully. It’s about mornings that start with mountain air and cappuccinos on a terrace, afternoons where sport and style collide in perfect harmony, and evenings spent over champagne in the company of friends, old and new. In Gstaad, the polo is the reason to come, but it’s the experience that keeps people returning year after year.
