In the rarefied air of the Engadin valley, where the Swiss Alps pierce the sky with jagged majesty, a phenomenon occurred this past weekend that transcended the definition of a mere motoring event. The I.C.E. St. Moritz (the International Concours of Elegance) once again transformed the frozen surface of the lake into an ephemeral canvas of automotive artistry.
Since its inception in 2019, this gathering has been the singular vision of Marco Makaus, a concept that has matured into the undisputed benchmark of the international winter season. It is here, amidst the silence of the peaks, that drivers, collectors, and enthusiasts convened not simply to observe machinery but to celebrate the automobile as a cultural artefact, a dynamic sculpture capable of stirring the soul.
The proceedings commenced on Friday, 30th January, transforming the lake into an open-air museum where fifty masterpieces of automotive history were subjected to the discerning eyes of a prestigious jury. The atmosphere was one of hushed reverence and high-octane anticipation, culminating in the selection of the class winners. The roll call of victors was a confirmation of the diversity of engineering excellence: the Lancia Stratos (1976) claimed the honours for Legendary Liveries, while the mechanical purity of the Maserati 4CLT (1949) secured the Open Wheels prize.
The dawn of the modern performance era was recognised in the Birth of Hypercar category, awarded to the sleek Jaguar XJ220 (1993), whilst the evocative Ferrari 750 Monza (1955) triumphed in the Barchettas on the Lake category. However, it was the breathtaking Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’ (1937) that captured the essence of pre-war glamour, winning Icons on Wheels, while the Best Sound accolade was rightfully bestowed upon the Pontiac Vivant (1965), its engine note resonating against the valley walls like a baritone in an opera house.
If Friday was a study in static beauty, Saturday, 31st January, was a celebration of kinetics. The static displays gave way to the theatre of motion as these rare icons took to the ice for their parade laps, their polished chrome and cellulose paintwork reflecting the winter sun in a dazzling ballet. The drama on the lake was mirrored in the skies above, as the Patrouille Suisse, the Swiss Air Force’s aerobatic team, executed a precision display that drew a line of excellence from the tarmac to the clouds. As the event reached its zenith, the most coveted accolades were presented.
The Best in Show trophy, a bespoke creation by the legendary architect Lord Norman Foster, was awarded to the peerless Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’. Lord Foster presented the prize alongside Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, marking the climax of the competition. Meanwhile, the Spirit of St. Moritz award, designed by artist Rolf Sachs, was presented by Marijana Jakic, CEO of St. Moritz Tourismus AG, to the exquisite Ferrari Dino 206 S (1967). The public, too, had their voice heard, voting the McLaren F1 GTR Lark (1996) as the Hero Below Zero.
Such an orchestration of luxury and logistics is, of course, the result of a profound ecosystem of partners who share the event’s commitment to perfection. Leading this coalition was the Title Sponsor, Richard Mille, whose dedication to precision engineering mirrors that of the cars on display. They were ably supported by St. Moritz Tourismus AG and the historic grandeur of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, ensuring the hospitality matched the setting. Loro Piana underpinned the sartorial elegance of the event, while UBS BANK provided the financial stewardship, and Bang & Olufsen delivered an auditory experience of crystal clarity. The seamless execution of the weekend was further bolstered by Main Partners VistaJet, the floral artistry of Vincenzo Dascanio, and the aviation heritage of Junkers Aircraft.
The paddock itself was a vibrant tapestry of the past, present, and future. Automotive exhibitors such as Maserati, Pagani Automobili, Bugatti, Rimac, Koenigsegg, Meyers Manx, and Aston Martin showcased the cutting edge of performance, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the auction powerhouse RM Sotheby’s. The lifestyle element, so intrinsic to St. Moritz, was curated by an exceptional array of brands, including the Campari Group, Eccentrica, Goodwool, MV Agusta, and the design house Pininfarina. Technical and support partners, including RUF, Touring Superleggera, Badilatti, Blasto, Blunotte Eventi, HRX, La Marzocco, Les Crêtes, Pirelli, and Profumoir, polished the intricate details of the event.
As the engines fell silent and the sun dipped behind the mountains, The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2026 concluded, leaving behind memories of a magical weekend where the warmth of passion effortlessly conquered the chill of the ice, leaving us to look forward with bated breath to 2027.
Discover more @ https:theicestmoritz.ch
Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editor & Founder