The ICE in St. Moritz – when a frozen lake becomes a catwalk for legends

Picture this: bright winter sun in the Engadin, snow crunching under your boots – and on the frozen lake, icons of automotive history glide past in elegant drifts. That is The ICE (International Concours of Elegance): a concours d’elegance that doesn’t just line up cars “statically” for jury and spectators, but brings them to life on ice – with motion, sound, snow spray, and an atmosphere somewhere between grand-hotel glamour and “let’s just do it outdoors”.

What exactly is The ICE?

The ICE is an international elegance competition for classic automobiles that, for one weekend, transforms the lake into an open-air stage. Selected vehicles are displayed, inspected, judged and awarded – and (this is the special part) they are also driven. The organisers describe it as a mix of “static displays” and “dynamic activities”, and they jokingly call the vibe “Icestyle”: glamorous, yet “down-to-ice”.

Historically, it fits the Engadin perfectly. The region has a long relationship with winter events on the lake, and the idea of letting classics circle on the ice traces back to an initiative by vintage Bentley drivers in the 1980s – including around the anniversary of the Cresta Run. That inspiration later evolved into the event format we know today.

What does The ICE offer?

The ICE is not a “just look at cars” appointment – it is deliberately curated as an experience:

• Concours judging & classification (Friday)
  The jury inspects the vehicles, followed by a parade of the concours cars on the ice and an awards ceremony for the class winners.

• Dynamics day with “Free Laps” (Saturday)
  On day two, the classics (and, at times, extremely exclusive performance cars) are released onto the track: free laps on the frozen lake – controlled sliding rather than race-track stress, but spectacular for spectators.

• The ICE Village & Drivers’ Lounge
  There is a public area (“Village”) as well as hospitality spaces such as the Drivers’ Lounge (with lunch slots; the dress code is more “alpine, comfy, warm” than black tie).

• Contemporary car showcase
  Alongside historic vehicles, modern highlights also appear in dedicated programme segments on the ice.

• Culture & lifestyle as the frame
  A cultural-artistic supporting programme is part of the event’s DNA, including I.C.E. art exhibitions between the Kulm Hotel and the Country Club in St. Moritz.

• Tickets
  There are regular access options (Village/public areas, and – depending on availability – grandstands) as well as VIP offers. Capacity is limited and highly sought after.

Who goes?

The short answer: collectors and petrolheads – plus the people St. Moritz attracts like a magnet in winter anyway.

The organisers explicitly mention collectors, car lovers, and design and lifestyle enthusiasts.

In practice, The ICE feels like a hinge between automotive culture and winter high society: collectors discuss patina, provenance and coachbuilding, while fashion, watches, brand partnerships and après vibes swirl around them.

And yes: celebrity guests are regularly part of the scene.

What makes it so special?

Concours d’elegance events exist all over the world – but few play so consistently with the contrast between refined elegance and elemental winter scenery. On ice, everything changes: the sounds, the light, the pace, even the way cars “feel”. Instead of a red carpet, you get a white stage between sky and lake – and that’s exactly where The ICE draws its appeal.

So if you are looking for a weekend that doesn’t treat classic cars like museum pieces, but as living culture, The ICE St. Moritz is almost certainly one of the most iconic winter events on the calendar.