Anticipation is building for what is probably the world’s most unique and photogenic concours: The ICE St Moritz. Held in Switzerland’s Engadin alpine valley, The ICE sees some of Europe’s most desirable classics slide across the surface of a frozen lake – much to the chagrin of some collectors and the delight of spectators.
The 2025 event is scheduled for February 21-22, and it represents only the fourth full edition following early disruption from the pandemic. Despite this, The ICE has already ascended to must-attend status, thanks to its unique format and a dynamism largely unmatched by rival concours.
The ICE traces its origins to a group of British and Scottish sportsmen who drove their vintage Bentleys to St Moritz in 1985. Their journey marked the 100th anniversary of the Cresta Run, which they honoured by sliding their Bentleys around the horse-racing track on St Moritz’s frozen lake. Founder and patron of The ICE, Marco Makaus, witnessed the spectacle and was inspired to create the award-winning concours we know today.
While the line-up of cars is still a secret, the organisers have revealed the five categories for this year’s concours. Barchettas on the Lake honours two-seater racing cars, and is complemented by Open Wheels, which focuses on single-seater racing cars from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Icons on Wheels is dedicated to cars that best embody the style and fashion of a particular era, while Concept Cars and One-Offs celebrates one-of-a-kind show cars. Racing Legends makes its popular return in 2025, and is open to “cars that have thrilled on circuits around the world”.
To select the winners from these eclectic categories, Marco Makaus has assembled a jury panel of internationally renowned experts. This includes Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge Richard Adatto, Concours d’Elegance Suisse president Mathias Doutreleau, architect Norman Foster, automotive event organiser Vanessa Marçais and Pixar creative director Jay Ward.
Last year’s jury panel awarded the coveted Best of Show prize to the one-of-a-kind 1938 Delage D8-120 S owned by Swiss collector and custodian of the Pearl Collection, Fritz Burkard. Other highlights included a Lamborghini Miura SV owned by Simon Kidston, a stunning Ferrari 225 S Vignale, a 250 California Spyder and a Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder.
Away from the concours, visitors can expect to see manufacturer support, luxury shopping opportunities and much more besides.
For tickets and more information, click here.
