Horu Trophy Zermatt - curling tournament

Curling is considered a gentleman's game. Nowadays, of course, women also play with the standardized stones that glide across the ice. Curling is not just a game of skill, but also a game in which tactics play an important role. That is why curling is also known as “chess on ice”. The word curling comes from the Old English word “curl”, meaning to turn - because the stone turns on the ice after being released. The program for the teams is varied, as there are other highlights besides the ice, such as the welcome aperitif, the gala lunch and the barbecue. The Horu Trophy with its curlers has become an integral part of January in the Matterhorn village and is also interesting for spectators.

A great tradition
The game of curling originated in Scotland in the Middle Ages. It spread from Scotland to England, the USA, Canada and mainland Europe. Curling is very popular in Switzerland. Both Swiss men and women have won international laurels. For example, Patrick Hürlimann, Luzia Ebnöther, Mirjam Ott and Binia Feltscher. Many Swiss curling stars have already taken part in the Horu Trophy in Zermatt.

The first Horu Trophy was held in 1992. “Horu” comes from the local dialect and means horn. Horu is how the locals affectionately refer to their all-dominant mountain, the Matterhorn. The mountain is clearly visible from the ice rinks in the village center.

As usual, the Horu Trophy is played in teams of four. For capacity reasons, a maximum of 76 team starting places can be allocated on the two Zermatt ice rinks with 19 rinks. Unfortunately, teams have had to be turned away for years because interest in the tournament is very high. As a result, the number of participants is usually 304. Most of the players come from German-speaking Switzerland. But Scots and other nations also take part.

Loyal participants
When the teams greet each other, it is clear that they have known each other for a long time. This is because many teams - including many locals - take part in the tournament every year. Although fun and games are also important, the level of play of the teams that are regularly among the winners is extremely high in terms of technique and tactics.

To make sure it's really cozy, a Zermatt folk band plays at the barbecue on Saturday. The cozy get-together is also one of the highlights for many.

Curling - long at home in Zermatt
Zermatt has a long tradition of curling. Guests from the traditional curling nations who spent their vacations in Zermatt brought the sport to the locals and spread it among the guests, making it very popular within a very short time. A curling hall was built in 1979. Since the closure of this hall in 1998, curling has only been played outdoors. The Curling Club Zermatt CCZ was founded in 1933. It organizes the tournament.

Spectators welcome
The Horu Trophy also attracts spectators. Because some people like to watch the tactics of the star players. The central ice rink, where the finals are also held, is located in a kind of rectangular arena. The spectators stand on a raised stand and can watch from a clear position.

Admission for spectators is free of charge.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)