Car aficionados unite for a one-of-a-kind alpine automotive event
Each February, an impressive array of exotic supercars and hypercars descends upon St. Moritz, Switzerland, for an unparalleled occasion—The International Concours of Elegance, affectionately known as The ICE. This is not your average car exhibition; it’s a high-energy display where some of the globe’s most coveted vehicles take to a frozen lake for a taste of drifting excitement.
Following last year’s cancellation caused by an overly zealous snowstorm courtesy of Mother Nature, this year’s affair basked in flawless conditions. The clear alpine atmosphere was saturated with the sounds of roaring high-performance engines as car enthusiasts, collectors, and thrill-seekers assembled to witness iconic and rare machines in full action.
In stark contrast to traditional concours events where vehicles elegantly rest on pristine lawns, The ICE launches them straight onto the ice—literally. Envision it as an exhilarating blend of a luxury car showcase and a Nordic ice racing celebration, enhanced by Swiss precision. From iconic classics to contemporary hypercars, the selection was absolutely breathtaking.
The audience, bundled in fashionable ski attire and beaming with delight, observed as these engineering wonders glided, drifted, and propelled themselves over the icy surface. And truthfully—there’s something uniquely captivating about seeing a multi-million-dollar Ferrari lose its rear on a slick layer of ice.
For those fortunate enough to participate, the experience transcended the vehicles; it revolved around the ambiance. Imagine holding a champagne flute, enveloped by the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps, while witnessing some of the most extraordinary machines ever manufactured in action. Not a bad way to enjoy a weekend, wouldn’t you agree?
A frozen lake creates the backdrop for exhilarating speed
With the Swiss Alps offering a postcard-worthy scene, the true highlight of the event was the frozen lake itself—an unconventional playground for some of the world’s elite machines. There’s an undeniable thrill in observing a Ferrari F40, designed for blazing-fast tarmac races, navigate an icy track like a pro rally racer.
The ICE is more than a showcase of stunning cars; it’s about unleashing these automotive legends in the most unforeseen environments. From classic Bugattis to cutting-edge hypercars, drivers were eager to test their vehicles to the max. Tires struggled for traction, V12 engines roared through the crisp mountain air, and sprays of ice shot into the sky as these high-value beasts danced across the frozen expanse.
Among the memorable highlights? Watching a Lamborghini Miura—widely regarded as one of the most stunning cars ever crafted—glide over the ice with the elegance of a figure skater. Then there’s the Porsche 959, engineered for everything from the Dakar Rally to conquering the autobahn, demonstrating its ease in sliding over a frozen lake as comfortably as it devours gravel or asphalt.
Of course, not every driver showcased the expertise of a skilled ice racer. Some overly eager throttle responses resulted in unexpected spins, much to the enjoyment of onlookers. But that’s what adds to the charm—witnessing these ultra-rare vehicles in dynamic action rather than confined behind velvet ropes. Because let’s be real, seeing a McLaren F1 power-slide over a glacier far surpasses gazing at one in a museum any day.