FAT Ice Race Returns to Zell am See
Courtesy of Astra Marina Cabras
Courtesy of LA Art Show
Courtesy of Lukas Gansterer
Courtesy of Henge
Courtesy of Andreas Simopoulos
Courtesy of Dave Benett
Courtesy of Japan Mobility Show
Courtesy of ART Cologne
Courtesy of whenobjectswork / Kate Hume
Courtesy of Ivan Erofeev
Courtesy of Stéphane ABOUDARAM - WE ARE CONTENT(S)
Courtesy of Sacha Moreau / Global Gift Gala Monaco
Courtesy of Fadi Al Shami
Courtesy of Sofia Hartmann
Courtesy of Historyhd
Courtesy of Mick De Paola
Courtesy of the artist (c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2025. Photography by Jens Ziehe.
Courtesy of Yasamine June
Courtesy of Rawisara Prachaksubhanit
Courtesy of Mariia Dred for Berlin Fashion Week
Courtesy of Michael Fousert
Courtesy of Raden Prasetya
Courtesy of Antonia Tewes
Courtesy of Antonia Tewes
Courtesy of Carlo Bazzo
Courtesy of Artem Zakharov
Courtesy of James Cochrane / Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26
Courtesy of Fashion Week Studio
Courtesy of Burak Goraler / AFW
Courtesy of Antonia Tewes
Courtesy of SF / Luigi Caputo
Courtesy of Bruno Cordioli / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Courtesy of Dubai Fashion Week / Ruzaini Official
Courtesy of Frieze Seoul 2025 / Wecap Studio
Courtesy of LecartPhotos
Courtesy of Jacopo Salvi / La Biennale di Venezia / ASAC Photo
Courtesy of Campione d’Italia’s Classic Circuit
Courtesy of Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup
Courtesy of Jochem Raat
Courtesy of Corey Watson
Courtesy of Pitti Immagine / Fragranze
Courtesy of Le Sable
Courtesy of Once Milano
Courtesy of Monaco Yacht Show
Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America
Courtesy of Guy Bell / British Art Fair
Photo by Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Courtesy of Messe München GmbH / Thomas Plettenberg
Courtesy of ph G Martin-Raget/SNST
Courtesy of David Pupăză
Courtesy of Derek Rose
Courtesy of Jim Winslet
Courtesy of Millie Turner/BFI
Photo by Hugo Glendinning. Courtesy of Frieze
Courtesy of Rolex / Kurt Arrigo
Courtesy of Laura Dupuy
Courtesy of Palm Beach Show Group
Courtesy of Getty Images for Perelman Perfor
Courtesy of BFA 2025
Images credited Jason Alden courtesy of LAPADA
Courtesy of Informa Markets
Courtesy of The Qatar Boat Show
Courtesy of Getty Images for Baby2Baby
Courtesy of Jeanne Canto
Courtesy of Darian DiCianno
Courtesy of David Long/Cancer Research UK
Courtesy of Saslong Classic Club
Courtesy of Dieter Nagl für die Wiener Philharmoniker
Courtesy of Derek Rose
Courtesy of Lukas Gansterer
A
T
I
I
O
O
T
M
I
L
L
L
C
S
S
T
T
A
T
H
F
T
E
F
O
A
T
F
I
T
T
T
T
I
I
T
I
O
P
S
A
S
U
O
A
E
G
B
I
A
I
L
I
T
M
O
G
U
I
L
S
N
I
D
U
T
A
F
I
W
F
O
A
A
M
L
I
V
I
I
S
A
n the crisp embrace of the Austrian Alps, where snow-draped peaks meet the frozen expanse of Zell am See's airport runway, a symphony of roaring engines and skidding tires is set to captivate once more. On January 31, 2026, the FAT Ice Race, revived by visionary Ferdi Porsche, promises an unparalleled fusion of motorsport heritage and contemporary elegance, drawing the world's elite to this icy theater of speed.
A Storied Legacy
Rooted in the 1952 Professor Ferdinand Porsche Memorial Race, the event transformed Zell am See's frozen lake into a daring spectacle, blending car races with skijoring, skiers towed by vehicles at breakneck speeds. A tragic accident halted proceedings in 1974, but Ferdi Porsche, great-grandson of the automotive legend, resurrected it in 2019, infusing it with modern flair while honoring its audacious spirit. Today, under FAT International. A brand born from 1980s logistics roots and immortalized by the 1994 Le Mans victory, it stands as a beacon of innovation, attracting luminaries like Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.
The 2026 Spectacle
Spanning January 30 to February 1, with the main "Fattest Day" on January 31 from 8 AM to 6 PM, the event unfolds on a studded-tire circuit at Zell am See Airport. Competitors vie in three classes: FAT Competition for Buggy & 4WD, FAT Performance for Classic & 2WD, and the iconic Spirit of the Ice Race featuring skijoring.
Expect exhibitions of rare exotics, from air-cooled Porsche classics to electric Taycans, amid live DJ sets, gourmet street food, and an ice bar evoking alpine luxury. A warm-up party on January 30 at the town square sets the tone for this high-adrenaline weekend.
Tickets, available through official channels, cater to discerning attendees seeking exclusivity, some segments invitation-only, like the LeCarage experience limited to 12 teams. While specific 2026 participants remain under wraps, past editions have featured Formula 1 stars and celebrities, promising a similar convergence of talent.
Elite Convergence and Cultural Resonance
For high-society aficionados, the FAT Ice Race transcends mere competition; it's a nexus of prestige, where motorsport intersects with design, fashion, and community. Influencers from racing royalty to cultural icons mingle, fostering connections that echo the Porsche family's enduring legacy. In an era of electric transitions, it bridges vintage adrenaline with sustainable innovation, appealing to tastemakers who value heritage without nostalgia.
The FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, embodies a rich tapestry of motorsport evolution, cultural revival, and elite socialization, making it a must-attend for global connoisseurs of luxury and performance. Originating in 1952 as the Professor Ferdinand Porsche Memorial Race on a frozen lake, it featured daring feats like skijoring, where skiers were pulled by cars and motorcycles, drawing thousands until a 1974 accident paused the tradition. Ferdi Porsche's 2019 revival transformed it into a global platform, blending historical icons like the Porsche 356 with modern marvels such as the Taycan.
For 2026, the event expands over three days: a warm-up party on January 30 at Zell am See's town square from 6 PM, the core racing on January 31 ("The Fattest Day") from 8 AM to 6 PM, and potential wrap-up activities on February 1. Held at the airport's frozen runway, it emphasizes safety with studded tires and professional oversight. Program highlights include all-day racing, live music by FAT Tracks DJs, culinary offerings, and surprises, fostering a festival vibe.
Participants historically include motorsport elites, Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas, Mark Webber, and celebrities like Klaas Heufer-Umlauf. For 2026, expect similar draws, with open entries for qualified drivers and invitation-only segments like LeCarage's 12-team exclusive.
FAT International's ethos, rooted in a 1990s Le Mans win, promotes inclusivity through youth programs like the Karting League, positioning the race as a meritocratic gateway.
Its expansion to Big Sky, Montana (February 27-28, 2026) underscores global appeal, bridging European tradition with American energy.This event matters for tastemakers as it redefines motorsport as art, exclusive yet accessible, historical yet forward-looking, fostering networks among the affluent who prize adrenaline-infused prestige.
