The Story
very February, the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz is transformed into an extraordinary setting where automotive history meets the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Following the Snow Polo World Cup, the same lake, grandstands and event village are reimagined for The I.C.E. St. Moritz, an international concours celebrating some of the world’s finest classic automobiles.
Unlike a traditional Concours d’Elegance, where the cars remain on display, The I.C.E. allows these exceptional machines to return to what they were built for. Throughout the weekend, historic Ferraris, Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Porsches and many other legendary cars drive across the frozen lake, giving visitors the rare opportunity to experience them in motion against one of Europe’s most spectacular winter landscapes.
The 2025 edition welcomed 52 carefully selected collector cars competing across five concours categories. After the jury evaluated each entry on Friday, Saturday’s programme brought the event to life as the cars completed demonstration laps on the ice in front of thousands of spectators.
The 1934 Bugatti 59 received the prestigious Best in Show award, while other prizes recognised exceptional design, racing heritage and public appreciation. Together, these awards celebrated not only engineering excellence but also the craftsmanship and history behind every automobile.
Supported once again by Richard Mille, whose passion for precision engineering and mechanical excellence closely reflects the spirit of the event, The I.C.E. continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s most distinctive winter gatherings, combining classic automobiles, luxury lifestyle, culture and the unique atmosphere of St. Moritz.
- Ferrari 500 TRC Scaglietti (1957) – Barchettas on the Lake
- Bugatti 59 (1934) – Open Wheels
- Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Aprile (1931) – Concept Cars & One-Offs
- Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1966) – Icons on Wheels
- Porsche 908/03 (1971) – Racing Legends
The event’s highest distinction, Best in Show, was awarded to the 1934 Bugatti 59. The trophy was specially designed by architect Lord Norman Foster. Additional honours included the Spirit of St. Moritz award for the Ferrari 250 GT SWB « Sefac » (1961) and the public’s Hero Below Zero award for the Lamborghini Miura SV (1972).
Beyond the concours itself, The I.C.E. expanded across the town with exhibitions, talks and cultural activities, reinforcing its ambition to combine automotive heritage with art, luxury lifestyle and contemporary culture.
Why is Richard Mille the title sponsor?
Richard Mille has been the title sponsor since 2023. According to the organisers, the partnership is based on shared values: craftsmanship, innovation, performance, design and a passion for exceptional engineering. Both brands also position themselves at the intersection of luxury, culture and high-performance experiences, making the collaboration a natural fit for the event.
Official Gallery: Photo courtesy of The I.C.E.
My Editorial Experience
Returning to St. Moritz only a few weeks after the Snow Polo World Cup felt surprisingly familiar. The grandstands, hospitality areas and the frozen lake were almost unchanged, yet the atmosphere was completely different.
During Snow Polo, the frozen lake becomes a fashion runway. Elegant outfits, luxury brands and social gatherings often attract as much attention as the matches themselves. The I.C.E., however, attracts a different audience. Here, the conversations revolve around engines, restoration, racing history and rare collector cars. You immediately notice that people have come because they genuinely love automobiles.
One of the most impressive moments is simply walking through St. Moritz before the event begins. Exceptional classic cars appear everywhere: parked outside luxury hotels, driving slowly through the streets or arriving at the lake after crossing the mountain roads. The entire town becomes part of the exhibition.
Watching these historic cars drive across the frozen lake is unlike any traditional Concours d’Elegance. Instead of standing silently on display, they come alive. You hear the engines, watch the drivers carefully manage the grip on the ice and see machines worth millions of euros moving exactly as they were originally designed to do.
The event also feels more selective. Tickets are more expensive, invitations are limited and there are noticeably fewer influencers than during Snow Polo. Guests still dress elegantly, but the focus shifts from being seen to sharing a genuine passion for automotive history. It creates a quieter, more authentic atmosphere that feels surprisingly relaxed.
As the afternoon draws to a close, the festive spirit returns. Friends gather for a final drink, conversations continue long after the last cars have left the lake and St. Moritz once again reminds you why it remains one of Europe’s most remarkable winter destinations.
For me, that is what makes The I.C.E. so memorable. It is not simply a classic car exhibition. It is an experience where history, engineering, landscape and people come together on a frozen lake that becomes, for one extraordinary weekend, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Palomino Gallery
