The Ice St.Moritz Recap 2026

“The I.C.E. St. Moritz is a cultural and lifestyle automotive event, held in a truly unconventional venue.” This opening line from the official website is surprisingly accurate. For anyone interested in cars, design, or luxury in general, this is the kind of event that I’m sure you will like —and you might even find yourself looking up next year’s tickets before finishing this article.

Set in St. Moritz, on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps overlooking the Engadine valley and the frozen lake, the location already defines the experience. Known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, the town is also famous (some would say even more for that reason) for its luxury hotels, exclusive restaurants, and après-ski culture that attracts a very particular crowd. During the festival, The I.C.E. transforms the frozen Lake St. Moritz into an open-air exhibition where, for a few of the coldest days each year, some of the world’s rarest and most valuable cars are not only displayed but actually driven on ice.

While events on the lake have existed for decades, the idea of combining this setting with a concours-style automotive showcase was introduced in 2019 by Marco Makaus. Despite being relatively young, the event has grown quickly, with each year bringing more visitors, more media attention, and an increasingly impressive lineup of cars. The 2026 edition, held on January 30–31, featured around 50 carefully selected automobiles representing iconic eras of automotive history, from pre-war classics to early hypercars. The level of prestige is reflected in its partners as well, with Richard Mille as title sponsor alongside brands like Loro Piana and Bang & Olufsen, as well as VistaJet. Automotive names such as Ferrari Classiche, Bugatti, Pagani, Maserati, and Aston Martin further prove the event’s status.

What makes The I.C.E. stand out is the fact that these cars are not static. Instead of sitting on display, they move - sliding and gliding across the ice, which gives the whole event a much more dynamic and almost surreal feeling compared to traditional events. The 2026 winners reflected both heritage and diversity: the Talbot-Lago T150C SS “Teardrop” took Best in Show with its pre-war elegance, while the Maserati 4CLT represented early racing in

the Open Wheels category. The Ferrari 750 Monza stood out among the Barchettas, and the Lancia Stratos brought character to the Legendary Liveries class. Moving into more modern territory, the Jaguar XJ220 marked the Birth of the Hypercar, the Ferrari Dino 206 S captured the Spirit of St. Moritz, and the McLaren F1 GTR earned the title of Hero Below Zero.

Overall, The I.C.E. St. Moritz blends automotive heritage with a stunning setting and a quiet sense of luxury. It feels both exclusive and exciting, elegant yet full of energy, making it clear why it continues to captivate more people each year.