Melissa and Marc Ganzi, owners of the Aspen Valley Polo Club, along with their children, Riley and Grant Ganzi, proudly hosted the 12th Annual World Snow Polo Championship at Rio Grande Park in Aspen, Colorado, this December. The matches were played under a winter sun, on a snow-packed field, with the finals played in the shadow of Aspen Mountain. The Agency team defended their lead to win the tournament, in a day full of highly skilled plays and goals.
Matches began at 12:30 with Kelley Jakle singing the national anthem acapella style and closing out the day singing Leonards Cohen’s Hallelujah. Marc Ganzi, alongside polo commentator Dale Schwetz, provided play-by-play and color commentary for the crowd with humor and perfect knowledge of the ins and outs of polo.
The Agency’s champion players were Grant Ganzi, Pierre Henri Ngoumou and Jason Crowder, with this being the third starring title for GG! The list of attendees also included Nacho Figueras, the sport’s ambassador and first St. Regis Connoisseur, who returned as captain of the St. Regis polo team. Figueras has played a role in the snow polo event’s growth and development. Other St. Regis team members were Tony Calle and Alejandro Novillo Astrada. The St. Regis team competed against four others for the Maroon Bells Cup. Team Edmiston included star players such as Teo Calle, Nic Roldan and Sugar Erskine. The four other teams competing were Hennessy Paradis, Petrossiam, Casablanca and Arhaus.
Notable attendees of the day included Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Shaun White, Abigail Spencer, comedian Fortune Feimster, John Reed, the CEO and founder of Arhaus, and Alexandra Halperin and Cheryl Foerster from Purist.
All guests delighted in delicious cocktails and curated food stations during both days presented by the St. Regis Aspen, which included oysters, langoustine, Petrossian caviar, potato leek soup and chocolate lavender cookies.
Sponsors included Arhaus, which curated interiors for all nine VIP tents, and Dr. Tina West, founder and dermatologist of the West Institute, who gifted her ClearShade SPF 45 sunscreen. Lindsey Thornburg showcased her classic Pendleton shearling and aviator coats, while Nick Bhindi and Bernal Barthelemy from Avi & Co. displayed their iced watch collection. Fusalp area manager (U.S.), Robbie Metzbower, presented the brand’s ski and ready-to-wear collection. Olivia Daane adorned the Purist tent and VIP entrance with her stunning paintings.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, which supports the people, programs, services and facilities that contribute to the health and wellness of the upper Roaring Fork Valley. This cause is especially meaningful to Melissa Ganzi, as it honors her late father, legendary philanthropist Robert Potamkin.
The 12th Annual World Snow Polo Championship wrapped up in spectacular style, showcasing world-class polo talent against Aspen’s stunning winter backdrop. From thrilling matches and star-studded audiences to memorable performances, the event solidified its place as a highlight of the winter season.
Photography by Gina Sheldrake/Wedeln Design