
As the Engadin Valley awakens under a pristine blanket of snow, the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz gleams like a diamond in the crisp winter sun. Here, amid the serene peaks of the Swiss Alps, affluent connoisseurs gather for The International Concours of Elegance: The ICE, an event that epitomizes winter luxury, blending timeless automotive artistry with the ethereal beauty of Switzerland's high-society haven.
Held on the iconic frozen lake, the two-day program features static displays, parades, and free laps, culminating in prestigious awards. Attendees can expect contemporary car unveilings and an art show, all in an atmosphere of alpine serenity. For collectors, it's an unparalleled opportunity to showcase rarities amid breathtaking vistas.



The event's origins trace to 1985, when British enthusiasts drove vintage Bentleys across the lake during the Cresta Run centenary, inspiring founder Marco Makaus. After a "zero edition" in 2019, cancellations in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic, and a resilient return in 2022, The ICE has grown exponentially. The 2023 two-day format introduced dynamic activities, while 2024's weather-induced cancellation sparked a spontaneous "garage party." By 2025, it blossomed into a citywide cultural phenomenon, drawing international crowds and activations in art, fashion, and lifestyle. For 2026, an earlier date ensures optimal ice conditions, with new classes celebrating diverse automotive eras and on-ice driving displays adding thrill to the elegance.
The program unfolds over two atmospheric days on the frozen lake, emphasizing safety and exclusivity. Tickets, available via the official site, grant access to a meticulously curated experience.
This schedule captures the event's blend of stillness and motion, where rare classics like past winners, Bugatti 59 (2025 Best in Show) and Ferrari 250 GT SWB (2025 Spirit), glide across ice, evoking timeless glamour. The awards, crafted by visionaries such as Lord Norman Foster for Best in Show and Rolf Sachs for Spirit of St. Moritz, symbolize the event's artistic ties, with new accolades like Hero Below Zero honoring sub-zero resilience.



Sponsorships elevate the experience, with Richard Mille as title sponsor, renewed for 2026, alongside Badrutt's Palace Hotel and St. Moritz Tourismus. Automotive partners include Ferrari, Pagani, Maserati, and emerging names like Rimac, while lifestyle collaborators such as Loro Piana, Bang & Olufsen, and UBS add layers of refinement. Collateral fields like aviation (VistaJet) and yachting (Riva Classiche) broaden the multidisciplinary appeal, creating a platform for culture and artisan excellence.
For discerning travelers, The ICE matters profoundly in Switzerland's winter tapestry. It offers intimate insights into automotive heritage amid serene landscapes, ideal for collectors seeking rare networking and aesthetes appreciating the fusion of art and engineering. The event's inclusivity, drawing from over 20 nations, fosters empathetic dialogues on luxury's evolution, while its alpine setting, with crisp air and golden light, embodies sophistication without ostentation.



In embracing The ICE 2026, one immerses in the broader ethos of Swiss winter luxury: a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and natural splendor. CINCH Magazine invites you to discover this refined escape, where every detail aligns with a life of elevated elegance.
© All imagery courtesy of Nicola Fornaciari, Andrea Klainguti, Davide Bianchet, Fabrizio D’Aloisio, Nicola Fornaciari, Alberto Novelli