All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Every winter, under the right conditions, the Engadine Valley in Switzerland transforms into a breathtaking wonderland, with Lake St. Moritz freezing over into a pristine sheet of ice. And it’s on this rare frozen expanse that one of the most extraordinary automotive events in the world takes place: The ICE St. Moritz (International Concours of Elégance).
This isn’t just another car show; it’s an elegant fusion of history, luxury, and sheer automotive brilliance. Against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, exceptional automobiles take centre stage, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and the international elite for a winter spectacle unlike any other. As the event moves into its 2026 edition, The ICE continues to refine its place among Europe’s most distinctive winter gatherings.
Classic Cars Meet the Elements
St. Moritz has long been intertwined with automotive culture, but The ICE introduces that relationship into an entirely new setting, bringing rare and valuable machines to life in a way few concours ever attempt.
Forget manicured lawns and sunlit gardens. Here, these extraordinary cars are showcased directly on ice, creating a striking contrast between sculpted metal and the raw beauty of the frozen lake.
The result is a visual and sensory experience that feels completely distinctive. Watching classic and historic cars glide across the lake during controlled on-ice sessions, framed by snow-covered peaks and crisp Alpine light, leaves an impression that lingers long after the engines fall silent.
How the Wild Idea Behind The ICE St. Moritz Became A Reality
The story behind The ICE traces back to January 1985, when a group of British motoring enthusiasts, led by Scotsman Keith Schellenberg, marked the 100th anniversary of the legendary Cresta Run by driving vintage Bentley tourers across the frozen lake.
Among those watching that day was Marco Makaus, a passionate automotive expert who was captivated by the spectacle of classic cars set against the endless white of the Engadin winter.
What began as an audacious idea slowly took shape through years of planning, negotiations, and persistence. A successful test event in 2019 laid the groundwork, leading to the first official edition of The ICE St. Moritz in February 2022. Since then, the event has continued to evolve, earning its place on the international collector calendar.
More Than Just a Concours: A Playground for Car Lovers
Unlike traditional concours events, the ICE is not only about presentation. It’s about presence. The weekend blends curated static displays with on-ice driving moments, allowing owners to experience their cars in an environment as dramatic as it is unconventional.
The event features several distinct categories, including:
- Barchettas on the Lake – honouring open two-seater racing cars of the 1950s and their enduring legacy.
- Open Wheels – showcasing single-seater racing cars from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
- Icons on Wheels – dedicated to cars that best embody the design, elegance, and cultural influence of their era.
- Concept Cars & One-Offs – celebrating visionary show cars and unique automotive creations.
- Racing Legends – spotlighting competition cars with serious circuit heritage and motorsport pedigree.
Beyond the cars, the ICE unfolds as a lifestyle gathering. The atmosphere is unmistakably refined, with guests wrapped in cashmere and shearling, champagne flowing in lakeside lounges, and conversations unfolding against the backdrop of engines echoing softly across the ice. It’s where high fashion meets high performance, and heritage blends seamlessly with innovation.
A Winter Wonderland for the Elite
St. Moritz has long been a destination for the world’s most discerning travellers, celebrated for its world-class skiing, legendary hotels, and Michelin-starred dining.
During the ICE weekend, the town’s social rhythm naturally intensifies. Hotel terraces, private dining rooms, mountain restaurants, and après-ski venues become gathering points for collectors, designers, patrons, and long-standing figures of the international motoring world.
For those who appreciate the art of the automobile, the ICE St. Moritz isn’t simply an event. It’s an experience shaped by setting, heritage, and atmosphere, where passion and precision meet nostalgia and design on one of the most extraordinary winter stages in the Alps.
