St. Moritz Leads the Way

St. Moritz is known for its pioneering spirit. The first electric light in Switzerland flickered in 1878 at the Kulm Hotel, and Europe's first curling tournament was held here in 1880.

The Alpine resort is a longtime destination for travelers, resulting in the opening of the first tourist office in Switzerland in 1864. The city was host to the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics as well as numerous Alpine Skiing World Championships. And it also was here that sports enthusiasts invented a new equestrian pastime — skijoring.

In 1906, 13 men battled in the first horse race from St. Moritz to Champfêr and back. Not comfortably seated as might be expected, the men stood on skis and were pulled along in full gallop for 9,950 meters. Thus skijoring — a term derived from the Norwegian “snörekjöring” (driving with ropes) — was born, and with it, the White Turf of St. Moritz.

Today, White Turf is a unique and exclusive horse racing event that attracts more than 35,000 visitors each February. The race occurs on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, which is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains.

Although imitated and adapted in many Alpine countries, skijoring in its original form is only established in the place where it originated — the Engadine valley in Switzerland. Nowhere else in the world do thoroughbred horses regularly compete with skiers in tow.

If you have a passion for racing, or just want to spend an unforgettable day at a unique event, rent a vehicle at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and arrive in comfort. Reserve now for the best selection and rates. Hurry, you don’t want to miss the amazing winter events in St. Moritz.