Excited about horse-sled skiing.

Post:George. Image:Multiple authors

I once visited the town of Sankt Moritz in southeastern Switzerland to watch horse racing. In winter, this elegant resort is always a favorite destination for European speed enthusiasts for the White Turf horse racing festival.

Held over three consecutive Saturdays in February, this major event offers visitors the chance to witness the thrilling moments of horse racing on the frozen waters of Lake Sankt Moritz.

Since 1907, at the end of the year, racehorse owners from all over the world have flocked to the festival to test the courage of their thoroughbreds on this unique racetrack. They are drawn to the challenges the game presents, as well as the chance to win and receive a prize of half a million US dollars at one of Switzerland's richest events. Even the prize for the Sankt Moritz motor racing championship is only a little over one hundred thousand US dollars.

Before the festival, my first impression of White Turf was of a city covered in vast tents, a large stage draped in the white snow of the Alps, and the Piz Bernina peak, over 4000m high.

Standing in the warm morning sun, it was hard to believe that foggy Zurich was only a three-hour train ride away. White Turf captivates and impresses visitors with its natural beauty, featuring glaciers, dense forests, and mysterious waterfalls.

In Sankt Moritz, the party had begun. The lakeside pavilions echoed with the sound of champagne bottles being opened. The White Turf race, a meeting place for European air-plane tycoons, was now immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere, braving the cold in thick down jackets and gloves. Many flew in from nearby Samedan, home to Europe's highest airport. Others drove from Italy, a border region an hour's drive from Switzerland.

Before crowding in to watch the race, I decided to take a stroll and check out the food stalls set up on the lake. Of course, I didn't forget to sample a cup of something.glühwein,A type of liquor extracted from boiling stills – containing cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange liqueur. This is an extremely effective remedy for combating the cold.

Other stalls had grilled sausages, the best of which was the veal sausage. And of course, there were plenty of cheese sauces – a traditional Swiss dish. The one I tried had three types mixed together: cheese, white wine, andkirsch(Cherry wine). By the time the race started, I thought I could go without food for a whole week because I was so full.

The first event of the day was a race of over 1,100 meters. The horses were ready, their hooves pounding the snow and neighing loudly. People cheered, waved flags, and chanted slogans around the track. I was almost breathless from the frenetic atmosphere until the race ended.

The third round was the highly anticipated showdown. The crowd grew larger and larger, with thousands of us pushing and shoving to watch what is known as horse-drawn skiing. In this unusual sport, riders don't ride on saddles but wear skis and stand on boards behind stallions, leading the horses at speeds up to 50 km/h.

"Did you enjoy it?" someone in the crowd asked, and I nodded repeatedly. It was a wonderful day.

Sankt Moritz is also one of Switzerland's most attractive destinations. Located on the northern edge of the majestic Engadine Valley, it's an ideal getaway for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It's also a place where Charlie Chaplin, Brigitte Bardot, and the Kennedy family once stayed. The area boasts high mountains covered in snow year-round, and enjoys sunshine for 300 days a year.

A hotspot for winter sports, Sankt Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, with the inaugural event in 1928. The town is also home to Switzerland's first ski school. Cable cars make access to the ski slopes easier from the city center. And then there's the infamous Cresta Run challenge for thrill-seekers. Professional skiers take a dangerous plunge down a steep, snow-covered slope, feeling like they're being shot through a snow gun over a kilometer long.

If you're someone who loves to relax and unwind, Sankt Moritz won't disappoint. The 5-star hotels offer ultimate comfort with massage and spa packages. Foodies will be treated to memorable meals such as wild boar with wild mushrooms and red cabbage, or enjoy soft candy with meringue. After a long day in the freezing snow, what could be better?

The Thanh