World-Class Players, Teams Annouced For World Snow Polo Championship In Aspen

ASPEN, Colo., December 5, 2016---Some of the world’s best players, including top American player Nic Roldan, will compete in the Dec. 17-18 World Snow Polo Championship at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.

For the fourth consecutive year, Melissa and Marc Ganzi, co-founders of Aspen Valley Polo Club, along with polo ambassador and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina, will host the star-studded event.

Figueras is one of the sport’s most popular and well-recognized players in the world. 

Audi, FlexJet, St. Regis and defending champion US Polo Assn. return as major team sponsors in North America’s only snow polo tournament.

The teams and rosters are:

Audi: Grant Ganzi/Marc Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan.

Flexjet: Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Jesse Bray.

St. Regis: Bernie Uechtritz, Carlitos Gracida, Nacho Figueras.

U.S. Polo Assn.: Bash Kazi, Ricky Cooper, Tommy Biddle.

Last year’s tournament winner was U.S. Polo Assn. with Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan and Juancito Bollini. In front of an overflow crowd and soldout VIP tent, U.S. Polo Assn. defeated Flexjet, 10-5. Roldan was named MVP for the third straight year. In the consolation game, ChukkerTV defeated St. Regis. Bernie Uechtritz was named MVP.

The glitz, glamour and excitement of one of the world’s top snow polo tournaments is a major attraction not only for the local community but fans from all over the world that fly in for the breathtaking scenery, venue and great polo action. 

St. Regis will sponsor the presentation of teams and tournament draw at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15.

On Dec. 17, Saturday and Dec. 18, Sunday, Rio Grande Park will host the action. Rio Grande Park is Aspen’s largest multi-functional park within the city’s limits and just minutes away from the St. Regis Aspen Resort.

Also on Saturday, fans and media will get the chance to meet the players at noon before the opening two games begin at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the consolation and championship games will be held beginning at 1 p.m.

To purchase tickets, go to www.worldsnowpolo.net.

ChukkerTV, an independent media company based in Wellington, Fla. and leader in polo broadcasting, will live stream the entire snow polo tournament. 

ChukkerTV was the first to introduce state-of-the-art polo live streaming technology in January, 2014 at Grand Champions Polo Club, where it was well-received for its cutting-edge technology and ability to promote the sport to a larger audience. It continues to build and improve its technology.

ST. REGIS ASPEN RESORT

Nestled at the base of the majestic Aspen Mountain, the resort is between the mountain’s two primary base ski lifts and within walking distance to all of Aspen’s shops, restaurants and entertainment. The hotel is just 10 minutes away from Aspen’s airport and has convenient access to all four ski releases. It delivers a benchmark of personalized service and attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. The resort is located at 315 East Dean St. Call 970-920-3300 or 888-627-7198.

FLEXJET

Has been a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies since 2013. They are committed to creating premium travel experiences and providing access to the most modern, technologically-advanced aircraft in the industry on a daily basis, going above and beyond world-class private travel experiences.

AUDI

Rated No. 1 by Consumer Reports as the best auto brand overall, Audi is a valued sponsor with a rich winning tradition in polo. The German automobile manufacturer designs, engineers, produces, markets and distributes luxury automobiles throughout the world including West Palm Beach. Audi, founded in 1909, oversees its worldwide operations from its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany.

THE U.S. POLO ASSN.

The brand carries an extensive collection of classically styled, high quality, casual clothing from polo shirts and tees to khakis and hoodies for men, women and children as well as watches, luggage, sunglasses, handbags and much more.

RIO GRANDE PARK

The park is Aspen’s largest park within city limits just south of downtown. It contains professional size rugby field, state-of-the-art skate park, Theater Aspen, basketball court and John Denver Sanctuary. The multi-functional park is used for major sporting events. The park is located at North Mill St. and Rio Grande Place. For information call 970-920-5120.

SNOW POLO FAST FACTS

Snow polo was first introduced in 1985 at the resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland and attracted several hundred spectators. In the U.S., snow polo is held exclusively in Aspen, Colorado. Snow polo is a modified version of polo. Games are played on a snow-packed field surrounded by fencing to keep the ball in play. Teams have three players instead of four as in typical arena polo. Play consists of four seven-minute chukkers. The horses have special cleated shoes to provide better traction. The ball is larger and lighter and bright orange or red for visibility on the snowy surface.

ASPEN VALLEY POLO CLUB

CLUB ADDRESS: 3275 County Road 100, Carbondale, Colo. 81623

POLO HOTLINE: 970-710-1663

The exclusive Aspen Valley Polo Club is one of the nation’s fastest-growing polo clubs. It offers polo in the summer for players and spectators. The Polo School is available to adults and juniors. It offers individual and group lessons for all levels and ages. For spectators there are great field side views for tournament action, indoor and outdoor arenas and also the Aspen Valley Polo Club Boutique. Everyone is welcome to watch polo in a relaxed atmosphere with complimentary food and refreshments. Admission and parking are free. For Polo On Demand price rates of group and private lessons, arena chukkers, grass chukkers and individualized “Polo Experience” packages email aspenvalleypolo@bellsouth.netor log onto www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com

Sharon RobbComment