In Strange Games & Unique Festivals and Crazy Strange Sports we experienced some of the more unique games and sports that can be found in Europe.
Today I’ll share one that has a definite holiday feel to it!
Samnaun Valley by Fiesch Wikimedia Commons
For these games we will venture to Samnaun Switzerland which is home to the annual ClauWau Championships. Samnaun is located at the border with both Italy and Austria and offers hiking and mountain biking during warmer months and an abundance of winter sports. An added benefit, it is the only tax free resort in Switzerland!
The ClauWau competition is no joke folks as it crowns the World Champion Santa Claus!
While this is a serious competition, you will see it is also a grand Christmas celebration.
Group Photo ClauWau Copyright Engadin Samnaun
Teams of 4 must all be decked out in Santa costumes to compete for the prize money! Yes, there is actual cash to be had for the best 3 Santa teams showing their prowess in all events. Each team will dance, climb, sing, run and act like children as they vie for the first prize money of approximately $5,800.
Sledding fun at ClauWau Copyright Engadin Samnaun
To show they are capable of being the best Santa, teams compete in these events:
- The Zipfy Bob Race tests the speed and dexterity of each team as they race to the finish line in record time.
- The Santa Parade will judge each teams costume and Christmas spirit.
- Santa’s must know their way around the world and in Santa’s Journey each team will be able to show off their knowledge of the world’s sights by matching tourist sights to the city or country where they belong!
Klauben Fun during ClauWau Copyright Engadin Samnaun
- As a way to show their artistic ability, Creative Santa asks each team decorate gingerbread and create an original and beautiful sculpture out of snow.
- Part of Santa’s job is to effectively distribute presents which requires Santa be a master at driving a sleigh, hence the Santa’s Sleigh Race!
- We all know how Santa gets into our houses, so it’s probably no surprise that there would be a Santa’s Chimney Climb. Testing the ability of our competitors to scale a chimney while carrying a bag full of presents!
Steinbock Race at ClauWau Copyright Engadin Samnaun
- Santa Clauben is an event that finds all members snuggled under a very large Santa hat as they maneuver a course as quickly as possible while collecting presents along the way.
- The Steinbock Sprint is a relay race where teams compete while riding wooden rocking horses.
- With this much prize money at stake, each team gets ready to lay it all on the line in the Karaoke Santa event! This grand finale is an ear shattering treat and a great way to end this amazing event!
Karaoke at ClauWau Copyright Engadin Samnaun
As you can see, the “competition” is full of fun and a perfect way to get in the Holiday spirit!
What is your favorite way to get in the Holiday spirit?
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wow that’s a lot of work! Sounds really fun though
The Swiss sure are strange people….
A lot of FUN work and tons of fun!
What a fantastic way to have a gala time! With prize money too boot. The group photo with snow in the background looks amazing!
I really liked the concept and thought it was a great way to start the holiday celebration!
what a blast – i’d definitely want to ride the sled & the rocking horse race!
I thought a lot of the events sounded like fun! Would love to see this sometime.
The truth be told, the best way for me is to drink and be merry during the holiday season here in Malaysia.
Merry Christmas to you and your family in advance Debbie!
Thanks David! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas too
What an interesting competition but definitely results in a very well-rounded Santa. It would be so great to see this in person. The pictures truly capture the spirit and playfulness of the games. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Mary! I couldn’t agree with you more. This looks like a very fun event full of holiday cheer
Now that looks like fun! No idea this was in Austria/Italy!
It does look like great fun! An added bonus is the beautiful mountains of Switzerland and fondue
This looks like so much fun and would definitely get me in the holiday spirit.
Completely agree Laurel!
World Championship for Santa Clauses. Somehow, I’d expected that to be in California rather than Switzerland. What fun!
Hmmm we do some crazy things in Cali but I’m not sure anything quite like this!
Santas having fun and getting a chance to win some $$$. How cool!
Oh what fun it is to ride….This looks like an amazing event!!! And would love to be a Santa sledding down the slopes in Switzerland….wow! Excellent article.
Thanks Jeff! It would be very enjoyable seeing all those Santa’s vying to be the best!
Looks suitably Christmassy!
I don’t think you could come away without being in the spirit of Christmas!
Didn’t know such competition exits
Love the Santa story and this looks like lots of fun
There are some great fun and unusual events out there! This one looks very fun.
This is quite possibly, the most fun Santa event ever! I get in the spirit by decorating my house for XMAS. I’ll share soon.
I agree it looks like a hoot! Decorating is always a good way to get in the spirit. I find music works really good for me.
Fun photos!