St. Moritz ‘The I.C.E.’ The Coolest Spectacle on Earth

Every February, the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz transforms from a quiet expanse of white into the world’s most glamorous open-air museum and racetrack. Known simply as The I.C.E. (International Concours of Elegance), this event is where the jet-set lifestyle of the Swiss Alps meets the raw, high-octane history of automotive engineering.

A Brief History: From Skijoring to Supercars

While The I.C.E. in its modern form is a relatively new fixture, the tradition of "playing on the ice" in St. Moritz goes back over a century. It began with Skijoring—the mad sport of being pulled behind a horse on skis—but by 1985, vintage car enthusiasts realized that horsepower was just as fun as horse-power. Today, the event has evolved into a high-altitude ballet where the world’s rarest machines trade the garage for the glacier.

The Icons of the Ice

To understand the magic of the event, you have to look at the cars that brave the cold. These aren't just vehicles; they are the subjects of Powderhound Ice Race prints, captured in moments of beautiful, controlled chaos by Natasha.

• The Pre-War Elegance: The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 often steals the show. Its delicate wire wheels and Art Deco curves look like a mechanical snowflake against the Engadin backdrop.

• The Italian Icons: Nothing pops against the white powder like a Ferrari 250 GT SWB. Whether it’s finished in classic Rosso Corsa or a dusty silver, it represents the "Spirit of St. Moritz." For a touch of 70s rebellion, the Lamborghini Miura SV—the "Hero Below Zero"—provides a vibrant splash of orange or lime green that defies the winter chill.

• The Racing Legends: Seeing a low-slung Porsche 908/03 or the massive, pearlescent Maserati MC12 drifting across a frozen lake is a reminder of why we love motorsport. These cars were built for the world's toughest tracks, but they find their most poetic form here, kicking up plumes of crystalline "rooster tails" in the crisp mountain air.

Fun Facts & Ice Cold Trivia

• The Foundation: The lake ice must be at least 45cm thick to safely support the weight of these multi-million dollar legends.

• The Grip: Unlike traditional ice racing, many drivers eschew heavy spikes for standard winter tires, prioritizing a graceful "slide" over pure speed.

• The Sound: Because the lake is an open valley, the roar of a vintage V12 echoing off the surrounding peaks is a sensory experience you won’t find at any other track.

Bring the mountain into your Home

If you can't make it to the Engadin Valley this year, you can still capture that "White Turf" energy through Powderhounds' beautifully designed mountain homeware and art by Natasha Durlacher.

Start your day by sipping a coffee from a Powderhound St. Moritz mug. Its minimalist illustrations of skiers and mountain life by Natasha perfectly mirror the atmosphere of St Moritz.

Natasha's Mountain Art Prints many of which are inspired by the Ice Race make the perfect addition to your home