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THE I.C.E. ST. MORITZ 2026: THE SPECTACLE OF ART ON WHEELS RETURNS TO THE FROZEN LAKE

Lake St. Moritz Prepares to Become an Open-Air Museum

There is a moment in the heart of the Engadin winter when elegance stops being an abstract concept and becomes a tangible experience. This will happen again on January 30 and 31, 2026, when the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz welcomes The I.C.E. St. Moritz. This International Concours of Elegance has, year after year, established itself as one of the most anticipated events on the international calendar.

This is not merely a car show; it is an appointment capable of transforming an iconic location into a unique stage. On a vast expanse of ice, the world’s rarest and most fascinating vehicles will be celebrated as moving works of art, blending style, heritage, and “on-ice” adrenaline.

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A Record-Breaking Edition: The Growing Allure of International Collecting

The 2026 edition begins under the sign of unprecedented enthusiasm. A record number of entries has been registered, confirming the ever-growing interest from both enthusiasts and international collectors, who recognize The I.C.E. as an exclusive event with distinct cultural value.

The official list of competing cars is now finalized. Through legendary models, it promises to tell the story of the automobile’s evolution as an aesthetic and technical language—stretching from the purity of classic forms to the boldest experiments in contemporary performance.

Five Classes in Competition: Icons, Hypercars, and Legendary Liveries

The selected vehicles will compete across five classes, designed to offer a comprehensive look at the automobile as a symbol of style and engineering. Alongside the beloved categories—Barchettas on the LakeOpen Wheels, and Icons on Wheels—a double debut expands the event’s narrative:

  • Birth of the Hypercar: Dedicated to the dawn of a new high-performance era, where technology and design push beyond all limits.
  • Legendary Liveries: A tribute to the racing colors that have written memorable chapters in competition and popular culture, transforming visual identity into myth.

Each class is more than just a competitive section; it is an invitation to view the automobile as a cultural code capable of uniting beauty and innovation.

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An International Jury: Technical Expertise Meets Artistic Sensibility

What makes The I.C.E. St. Moritz a one-of-a-kind concours is its approach to judging: it considers not only technical parameters but also taste, proportions, charm, and vision. To this end, the 2026 jury brings together prominent figures from the automotive world, as well as from design, publishing, and the arts.

Confirmed names include Marco Makaus, creator and Patron of the event, alongside renowned experts such as Richard Adatto, a longtime judge at Pebble Beach, and Massimo Delbò, an authoritative voice in international automotive culture. They are joined by professionals like Mathias Doutreleau, associated with The Quail and FIA historic championships, and multi-disciplinary figures like Michele Lupi, known for interpreting style far beyond automotive boundaries.

High-profile international figures also stand out, such as Norman Foster, who designed the Best in Show trophy, and Jay Ward, Creative Director at Pixar and a global reference for the Cars universe, who has been involved in prestigious concours d’elegance for years. Completing this distinguished panel are Vanessa Marçais, curator and promoter of the GT & Sports Car CupPhilip Rathgen, CEO of Classic DriverAugustin Sabatié-Garat of RM Sotheby’s, and newcomer Fabrizio Giugiaro, who brings a vision that bridges tradition and the future.

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Amanda Stretton Named New Master of Ceremonies: Charisma and Prestige for the Grand Finale

Among the major announcements for the 2026 edition is the new Master of CeremoniesAmanda Stretton will lead the awards ceremony.

A British journalist and television presenter, Stretton is a leading figure in the world of motorsport and automotive storytelling. The first British woman to win an international long-distance race at Spa-Francorchamps, she has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is now an authoritative face for global events and productions related to mobility and design. Her presence further strengthens the international dimension of The I.C.E., building on her established role as Master of Ceremonies at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

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The I.C.E. St. Moritz: A Unique Format of Art, Sport, and Environmental Stewardship

Founded in 2019 by Marco Makaus, The I.C.E. St. Moritz created an unprecedented format for concours d’elegance: an event where stasis and dynamism, contemplation and performance coexist, with the lake serving as a central and essential element.

The organization also maintains a strong focus on protecting the environment and the natural heritage of the Engadin. Public access is limited and car selection is extremely rigorous, ensuring the protection of an invaluable automotive legacy.

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An Event for the Calendar

In the landscape of events dedicated to automotive elegance, The I.C.E. St. Moritz continues to stand out because it offers something that does not exist elsewhere: the chance to experience beauty in motion, on ice, in one of Europe’s most iconic settings.

With a record selection of entries, new categories, and a world-class jury, the 2026 edition promises to be another memorable experience for collectors, enthusiasts, and the global public.

Info: www.theicestmoritz.ch


Photo credits: AB: Alex Belotti | NF: Nicola Fornaciari | AK: Andrea Klainguti | DAB: Davide Bianchet | MT: Mattia Tagliavini | A.Furger: Andrea Furger