Excited about horse-drawn sledding

Post:George. Image:Many authors

I once went to the southeastern Swiss town of Sankt Moritz to watch the horse races. In winter, this elegant resort is a favorite destination for European speed lovers: the White Turf horse racing festival.

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

Since 1907, racehorse owners from all over the world have come to the festival at the end of the year to test the courage of their thoroughbreds on this unique racetrack. They are attracted by the challenges that this game brings, but also by the chance to become a winner and receive a prize of half a million US dollars at the “richest” event in Switzerland. Even the prize for the championship car race in Sankt Moritz is just over one hundred thousand US dollars.

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

As I stood in the warm morning sunshine, it was hard to believe that misty Zurich was just a three-hour train ride away. White Turf captivated and impressed visitors with its natural beauty, with glaciers, deep forests and mysterious waterfalls.

In Sankt Moritz, the party has already begun. The pavilions on the lake echo with the sound of champagne bottles being opened. The White Turf horse race is a meeting place for Europe’s jet-set elite, and they are now getting into the festive spirit, braving the cold in down jackets and thick gloves. Many have flown in from nearby Samedan, home to Europe’s highest airport. Others have driven from Italy, an hour’s journey across the border from Switzerland.

Before I got to watch the race, I decided to take a walk around and check out the food stalls set up on the lake. Of course, I didn't forget to try a glass of wine.glühwein,a liquor extracted from boiling stills – including wine flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and orange. This is a very effective medicine against cold.

Other stalls had grilled sausages, the best of which were veal sausages. And of course there was plenty of cheese fondue – a Swiss staple. The one I tried was a mixture of three: cheese, white wine andkirsch(cherry wine). By the time the race started, I thought I could go a week without eating because I was so full.

The first event of the day was the 1,100m race. The horses were ready, their hooves pounding the snow and their whinnies ringing out. People were cheering, waving flags and slogans around the track. I was almost breathless with the excitement of the track until the race ended.

Round three was the much-anticipated showdown. The crowd grew and thousands of us pushed and shoved to see what is known as the slalom. In this strange horse race, the riders donned ski suits and stood on skis behind stallions, leading them at speeds of up to 50km/h.

“How do you like it?” someone in the crowd asked, and I nodded vigorously. It was a great day.

Sankt Moritz is one of Switzerland's most popular destinations. Located on the northern edge of the majestic Engadine valley, it's a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Charlie Chaplin, Brigitte Bardot and the Kennedy family have stayed here. The mountains are snow-capped and the sun shines 300 days a year.

A winter sports hotspot, 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 the slopes easily accessible from the city centre. And the infamous Cresta Run is a daredevil’s challenge. Expert skiers risk their lives by sliding down a steep, treacherous slope, feeling like they’re being shot through a 1km-long snow gun.

If you are looking for some rest and relaxation, Sankt Moritz will not disappoint. The 5-star hotels will pamper you with massage and spa packages. Foodies will be treated to memorable meals such as wild boar with wild mushrooms and red cabbage or fondant with meringue. After a long day in the cold snow, what could be better?

The Thanh