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Every winter, 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 frozen expanse that one of the most extraordinary automotive events in the world takes place— The International Concours of Elegance, also known as The ICE St. Moritz.
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, vintage cars take center stage, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and the elite for a winter spectacle unlike any other.
Classic Cars Meet the Elements
St. Moritz has long been a hotspot for classic car events, but The ICE takes things to another level—quite literally putting these rare and valuable automobiles to the test in extreme conditions.
Forget the usual manicured lawns and sunlit displays. Here, these stunning machines are showcased on ice, creating a surreal contrast between the elegance of automotive design and the raw, icy beauty of nature.
The result? A visual and sensory experience that’s completely unmatched. Seeing these classic cars gliding across the frozen lake—sometimes kicking up flurries of snow—is a sight that sticks with you long after the event is over.
How the Wild Idea Behind The ICE St. Moritz Became A Reality
The idea behind The ICE traces back to the mid-1980s, when a group of British enthusiasts, led by Scotsman Keith Schellenberg, decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Cresta Run by driving vintage Bentley tourers across the lake.
Among the spectators that day was Marco Makaus, a passionate automotive expert who was captivated by the sight of classic cars against the endless white landscape.
What started as a bold idea became a reality after years of planning, negotiations, and unwavering dedication. A successful test event in 2019 set the stage for the first official edition of The ICE in February 2022—and it’s been turning heads ever since.
More Than Just a Concours—A Playground for Car Lovers
Unlike traditional Concours events, The ICE is not just about displaying cars—it’s about experiencing them. The weekend blends static displays with on-ice driving sessions, where owners and collectors take their prized machines out onto the frozen lake.
The event features different categories, such as:
- Barchettas on the Lake – honoring 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 style and fashion of their era.
- Concept Cars & One-Offs – celebrating one-of-a-kind show cars and visionary designs.
- Racing Legends – which made its anticipated return in 2025, featuring cars that have thrilled on circuits around the world.
Beyond the cars, The ICE is a lifestyle event. The atmosphere is pure luxury—think cashmere coats, fur-lined boots, and champagne in hand, with guests gathered in exclusive lounges to watch the cars in motion. It’s where high fashion meets high performance, and where history and innovation collide.
A Winter Wonderland for the Elite
St. Moritz has always been a destination for the world’s most discerning travelers, offering everything from world-class skiing to Michelin-star dining.
But during The ICE, the town takes exclusivity to another level, hosting private gatherings, après-ski events, and VIP soirées for the crème de la crème of the automotive world.
For those who appreciate the art of motoring, The ICE St. Moritz isn’t just an event—it’s an experience. It’s about passion and precision, nostalgia and innovation, all coming together in the most stunning (and coldest) setting imaginable.
