With the Snow Polo World Cup behind us and the White Turf horse races leaving their mark on the ice, winter in St. Moritz is just hitting its stride. As the season settles into its natural rhythm, the frozen lake is gearing up for something entirely different: The ICE St. Moritz, an event where classic cars meet the elements in a setting unlike anywhere else in the world.
On February 21st and 22nd, the lake—usually a backdrop for skiers, polo players, and thoroughbreds—becomes a stage for some of the most extraordinary automobiles in history. Part concours d’elegance, part motorsport spectacle, The ICE is an event that feels almost surreal.
A Concours Unlike Any Other
Car events are nothing new in Europe. From the winding roads of the Mille Miglia to the manicured lawns of Villa d’Este, the continent has perfected the art of showcasing automotive beauty. But The ICE is different. Here, on a sheet of solid ice at 1,800 meters above sea level, the usual rules don’t apply.
Instead of sitting on display, these machines are driven—on snow, on ice, on a surface that challenges even the most skilled drivers. Pre-war Bugattis, Ferraris from the golden age of motorsport, and rare modern hypercars all take their turn gliding (and sometimes sliding) across the lake, leaving vapor trails of powder in their wake. The setting itself transforms the experience: the sharp winter air, the crunch of ice underfoot, the sun bouncing off polished metal against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
By late February, St. Moritz is at its best. The days are bright, the air crisp, and the lake, after months of freezing temperatures, is a solid foundation for whatever unfolds on its surface. This is a town that moves with the seasons—one weekend it’s all about polo, the next it’s horse racing, and then suddenly, it belongs to the cars.
Beyond the event itself, there’s the rhythm of life in St. Moritz: mornings that begin with fresh tracks on the slopes, afternoons spent lingering over long lunches, evenings marked by fireside cocktails and the hum of conversation in old-world hotels. The ICE fits into this effortlessly, adding another layer to an already rich winter scene.
Unlike some of St. Moritz’s winter spectacles, The ICE isn’t an invitation-only affair. It’s open to those who want to be there, to stand on the ice and watch as history in motion plays out in front of them. Whether you're deeply invested in classic cars or simply looking for an excuse to experience St. Moritz at its most atmospheric, this is one to see firsthand.
For details on how to attend, the best places to stay, and what else to do while you're there, feel free to get in touch.
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