How to Watch Horu Trophy in Zermatt Successfully

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The Obere Matten ice rink is the primary location for the event. It offers a clear view of the players and the surrounding mountains. You can easily walk there from the Zermatt train station in five minutes. Check out the best viewing spots for Horu Trophy Zermatt for more details.

Arrive early to secure a spot near the ice edge for the best photos. Most matches start in the morning and continue throughout the entire day. You can see over 70 teams competing at the same time. This creates a unique and busy sporting environment in the heart of Zermatt.

2026 Horu Trophy Schedule and Timing

The tournament usually happens during the third week of January each year. For 2026, mark your calendar for these specific winter dates. Matches typically run from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. The final championship games often occur on Sunday after lunch.

Daily play starts around 8:00 AM each morning for the early rounds. You can watch matches until the sun goes down behind the peaks. The Horu Trophy Zermatt event schedule 2026 provides exact game times. Plan your day around the most exciting playoff rounds on Saturday.

Opening ceremonies often take place on Wednesday evening before the first match. This is a great time to meet the local players and officials. You will see teams from all over Europe participating in the games. The village feels very festive during this entire sporting week.

Essential Spectator Gear and Clothing

Zermatt is very cold in January during this outdoor curling event. Temperatures often stay well below freezing for the entire day. You must wear heavy thermal layers to stay warm while standing still. Do not forget a high-quality winter hat and insulated gloves.

Sturdy winter boots are essential for standing on packed snow and ice. The ground near the rinks can be quite slippery for visitors. Bring polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright snow glare. The alpine sun is very strong at this high altitude even in winter.

Many experienced spectators bring small portable stools or cushions for extra comfort. You might also want a thermos filled with hot tea or coffee. Local stalls sell warm snacks and drinks right next to the rinks. Most vendors accept cash or major credit cards for your convenience.

Costs and Logistics for Your Visit

Watching the Horu Trophy is usually free for all spectators and tourists. You do not need a ticket to enter the public viewing areas. This makes it one of the best Zermatt winter events 2026 for families. Simply walk up to the rink and enjoy the curling action.

Public transport is the best way to reach the mountain rinks. Use the SBB train service to reach Zermatt village from Zurich. Since the town is car-free, you will walk or take an e-taxi. The rinks are only a short walk from most central hotels.

Budget for local food and drinks during your visit to the tournament. A hot chocolate costs about 6 to 8 Swiss Francs at the stalls. Traditional Swiss sausages are available for roughly 10 to 12 Francs each. These small costs help support the local event organizers and staff.

Understanding the Curling Tradition

Curling involves sliding heavy granite stones across a long sheet of ice. Two teams compete to get stones closest to the circular target. This target is often called the house or the button by players. You will see players sweeping the ice vigorously with special brooms.

Sweeping helps the stone travel further and stay on a straight path. It is a very strategic game often called chess on ice. You can learn more about what is the Horu Trophy in Zermatt history online. Watching a few ends will help you understand the scoring system.

Each game consists of several rounds called ends by the curling officials. Most tournament games last about eight ends in total for the players. The team with the most points at the end wins the match. It is easy to follow once you watch a full game.