The ICE St. Moritz 2022: the Alps shine again.

I expected it to be cold so I got myself prepared: winter hat, thermal shirt and gloves specifically designed for very low temperatures. But I really would have had to go beyond the imagination to think of finding myself in a Fiat 500 Jolly Ghia, at 60 km/h, drifting on a frozen lake at -10°C.

Yes, this really surprised me. A bit like all the sensational cars featured in this edition that led fans to populate a car event once again (and just between us, what a show!). The glamorous pearl of the Swiss Alps not only awakened 45 unique specimens from narcolepsy, but also made them dance above a fantastic frozen lake. Movie stuff, for real.

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The ticket price, if it had ever been there, would have been worth just to admire the most beautiful car of all time in action: the Ferrari 250 GTO, a truly priceless car. Just to be clear, last year a specimen was auctioned on the James Edition website for 54 million euros. I would say it makes a certain effect to see it speeding on an ice sheet, as well as giving goosebumps.

In that particular situation it exuded a passion that went far beyond expectations, because the car is absolutely not inclusive except in certain events where genders and walks of life blend into a common denominator called “love for cars”. The intensity of emotions generated by situations like these, the beauty of nature and the sunlight – that seems to come out of a photo shoot to perfectly illuminate each car – justify every single kilometer of travel and every hour spent at sub-zero temperatures.

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All this was topped off with a concours d’elegance with the cars divided into 5 thematic classes. Here are all the winners:

1. Jet Set On Ice: 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB. One of the only 4 “long nose” 275 GTBs in aluminum, a wonderful example of style and dynamism.

2. Stars on Wheels: 1968 Lamborghini Miura. It’s really her: the protagonist of the opening scene from “The Italian Job” movie.

3. Vintage Road Racing: 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S ex Works. Veteran and winner of numerous international rallies.

4. Barchettas On The Lake: 1953 Jaguar C Type. Magnificent car owned by the same family since 1970.

5. Vintage Grand Prix: 1939 Maserati 4CL. Glorious racing car designed by Ernesto Maserati.

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To say that I am waiting for the 2023 edition as if it was Christmas does not seem excessive to me at all. Thank you The Ice for bringing a dynamic event back to the calendar. We really needed it.

Words: @mr_sapone
Photos: @ruatasiopx