When Lake St. Moritz transforms into a glittering winter arena in February, it marks not only the start of the legendary White Turf meeting but also the kick-off for three special weekends for young and old: the White Turf Family Days. For five years, they have been an integral part of the event, bringing the unique experience of horse racing closer to families, children, and teenagers.
Sharing the stage: Lupo Wolf and young moderator Elin Wolf (daughter of Paralympic legend Edith Hunkeler).
Here, you don’t just watch – you participate, marvel, and laugh. The White Turf Opening Day on February 7, 2026, opens the meeting with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, exciting panel discussions, live music by Huw Lewis, the mascot christening, and many offers for families.
On the following Family Days, the motto continues: The little ones take center stage! On Saturdays, February 14 and 21, Families are the focus: pony rides, enchanting ice princesses and the spectacular UBS Kids-Skikjöring ensure beaming faces on and off the racetrack. For children aged four and up, there are the popular skikjöring taxi rides, while regional clubs, shows, and music provide the best entertainment.
But who is behind this successful concept? We spoke with the man who brought this format to life.
“Children are the Future” – Interview with Founder Lupo Wolf
Lupo, how did the idea for the White Turf Family Days come about?
Lupo Wolf: The idea stemmed from a request by the White Turf organizers to create a cool event within the framework of the "Amusements on the Lake" that would also be open to families. The concept came together quickly: Kids, young talent, sports, and entertainment—this combination was meant to resonate with locals, guests, and sponsors alike.
What inspired you to create a special family format within White Turf?
Lupo: On one hand, my good contacts with local sports clubs, and on the other, the lack of young talent in skikjöring. I raced skikjöring myself for 37 years, so I care deeply about it. That was the inspiration. You can only generate new talent with attractive, motivating conditions, and White Turf offers a great platform to showcase kids and teenagers in motion—to show what they train so many hours for.
Do you remember the very first Family Day?
Lupo: Developing the concept was challenging on one hand, but very rewarding on the other. I was allowed to create something creative from scratch. What remains in my memory are the shining eyes of the kids on and off the stage, as well as the large turnout of the audience.
An Event for Everyone
The Family Days are now celebrating their fifth anniversary. How have they developed?
Lupo: Subtly but constantly. It is an event with potential—optimization and further development are prerequisites. We are getting closer and closer to the goal of giving all young Engadine athletes, regardless of sport or level, an attractive platform.
What defines the special "spirit" of this event for you today?
Lupo: It’s clearly the kids and the frozen lake. The interplay of different sports and all those shining eyes make the difference.
Why was it important to you to make White Turf accessible to children?
Lupo: Children are the future. Our task is to encourage children to move in harmony with nature. Importantly, it is and remains an event with no entry or participation fees—open to everyone, an offer for everyone.
What role does the local community play in this?
Lupo: A big one. Schools and clubs are the backbone. And where there is no community yet, we want to foster it. Partners in the implementation include White Turf and, from the beginning, some loyal sponsors, especially UBS. They make the White Turf Family Days possible.
Highlights 2026
What can visitors look forward to most in 2026?
Lupo: Contented kids in action! Experiencing various sports live: The ice princesses of the ISC, the Hockey Grischun tournament, the jumps of the FRESK freestylers, the young footballers of FC Celerina, the top athletes of the Home of Triathlon, and pony riding with the River Ranch.
Absolute magnets are also the pony races of the Pony Racing Club, the four mounted skikjöring races, the skikjöring taxi for the youngest visitors, the children's choir Las Filomelas da Samedan, as well as good culinary and musical offerings.
What was the nicest feedback you have received so far?
Lupo: Many—you wouldn't believe it—written thank-you letters and drawings, and of course, the shining eyes on Lake St. Moritz. That’s all it takes. That motivates my team and me again and again.
Behind the Scenes & The Future
What does it take behind the scenes for everything to run smoothly?
Lupo: Above all, it takes teamwork. And that is mainly the team here in the White Turf office, the volunteers, the "good fairies" Lidia, Gina, Laura, Lilith, and the young moderator Elin. They all support me actively during the Family Days.
Where should the Family Days develop in the coming years?
Lupo: Just keep going—without losing touch.
Do you have any dreams you would still like to implement?
Lupo: I still have a few ideas—e.g., having role-model athletes participate, motivating even more kids, and creating a show program with the kids for the 120th anniversary of White Turf. I wish that the philosophy of the Family Days remains in the future.
If you could dedicate one sentence to the Family Days – what would it be?
Lupo: The White Turf Family Days show how easy it is to put a smile on people's faces.
