The Story
The I.C.E. returns to the frozen lake
For two days, the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz became one of the world’s most remarkable automotive stages. The I.C.E. St. Moritz once again gathered collectors, manufacturers, designers and enthusiasts around a carefully curated selection of fifty historic automobiles, ranging from pre-war icons to legendary racing machines and early hypercars.
Rather than being a traditional concours d’élégance, The I.C.E. combines exhibition with movement. Every car is not only displayed but also driven across the frozen lake, allowing visitors to experience these historic machines exactly as they were intended: in motion.
Friday focused on concours judging, with international experts selecting the Best in Class winners across five categories before recognising the Pontiac Vivant with the Best Sound Award. Saturday brought the event fully to life as competitors completed demonstration laps across the lake before the closing ceremony celebrated the overall winners. Lord Norman Foster personally presented the Best in Show trophy to the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS « Teardrop », while additional awards recognised the Ferrari Dino 206 S and the McLaren F1 GTR Lark.
Beyond the concours itself, The I.C.E. extended throughout St. Moritz with manufacturer showcases, design exhibitions, hospitality experiences and luxury brands creating an atmosphere that blends automotive culture with lifestyle. Visitors also enjoyed an impressive aerial display by the Patrouille Suisse, whose performance above the frozen lake became one of the highlights of the weekend.
The 2026 edition once again confirmed why The I.C.E. has become one of the most distinctive automotive events in the world: a celebration where engineering, craftsmanship, design and the Engadin landscape meet on one extraordinary natural stage.
Official Gallery: Photo courtesy of The I.C.E. ( Alex Belotti, Nicola Fornaciari, Andrea Klainguti, Davide Bianchet, Mattia Tagliavini )
My Editorial Experience
Snow Polo and The I.C.E. may share the same frozen lake, but they offer two completely different experiences.
The first thing I noticed was the atmosphere at the entrance. Access feels considerably more exclusive. While Snow Polo has traditionally welcomed a broader public, The I.C.E. immediately gives the impression of entering a private gathering for collectors and automotive enthusiasts.
Inside, the focus shifts away from simply looking at cars. The automobiles remain the stars, but the event is equally about the conversations happening around them. Owners, collectors, designers, manufacturers and invited guests spend as much time meeting one another as watching the concours itself.
Many of the world’s leading luxury brands create their own private lounges around the lake. Bang & Olufsen invites guests to experience its latest sound systems, Badrutt’s Palace and other partners host their own receptions, while almost every hospitality area requires a dedicated invitation. It gives the entire event an atmosphere that feels intimate despite the international audience.
One of my favourite moments arrived unexpectedly when the Patrouille Suisse crossed the Engadin sky. Their formation flying above the frozen lake added another layer of spectacle that perfectly matched the elegance of the concours below.
As the afternoon progresses, the atmosphere slowly changes. The racing gives way to the prize ceremonies, followed by the traditional parade where every participating car returns to the lake one final time. Golden winter light settles over St. Moritz while DJs begin the evening soundtrack, guests gather for champagne and conversations continue long after the trophies have been presented.
When the sun disappears behind the mountains, many visitors leave for private dinners and receptions hosted across St. Moritz, from Badrutt’s Palace to the Palace Hotel and numerous invitation-only events organised by brands and collectors.
The I.C.E. is not simply an automotive event.
It is one of those rare weekends where cars become the common language connecting design, craftsmanship, hospitality and people from around the world.
I already know I’ll be back next year.
Palomino Gallery
