FAT Ice Race Brings Frozen Fury and A-List Stars to Big Sky's Slopes

BIG SKY, MT – February 23, 2026 – The roar of engines will soon echo through the Gallatin Range as FAT International, the motorsport and lifestyle brand founded by Ferdi Porsche, brings its iconic FAT Ice Race to the snowy landscapes of Big Sky, Montana. Set for February 27-28 at the exclusive Moonlight Basin, the event promises a high-octane fusion of high-performance racing, cutting-edge design, and vibrant alpine culture, marking a significant expansion of the European-born spectacle onto American soil.

A New Frozen Frontier for Motorsport Culture

Following its historic roots in the Austrian Alps and a successful U.S. debut in Aspen, the FAT Ice Race's arrival in Big Sky solidifies its stateside ambitions. In partnership with Lone Mountain Land Company, the event will transform the pristine fairways of Moonlight Basin into a challenging ice circuit. More than 50 curated vehicles, from vintage classics to modern supercars, will compete in various formats, while another 50 will be on display, creating a living museum of automotive history and innovation.

The two-day festival is more than just a competition; it's envisioned as a "winter pilgrimage" for a global community of drivers, creators, and enthusiasts. The program includes hot laps, exhibition drives, and daring stunt performances, including aerial displays by Red Bull. This carefully orchestrated chaos is the brainchild of Ferdi Porsche, great-grandson of the Porsche founder, who revived the race which first ran in 1952.

"Bringing FAT Ice Race to Montana is super special and Big Sky offers the perfect playground to continue the spirit we built in Zell am See," said Ferdi Porsche, founder of FAT International. "There's nothing quite like driving incredible cars on a frozen track, embracing the chaos, and celebrating car culture with old and new friends in an environment like this."

More Than a Race: A Fusion of Art, Music, and Adrenaline

What sets the FAT Ice Race apart is its deliberate blending of disciplines, attracting a diverse roster that transcends the typical motorsport paddock. This year's lineup underscores the event's cultural crossover appeal, featuring Grammy-nominated artist Don Toliver, renowned visual artist Daniel Arsham, and a host of racing talents from different worlds.

Don Toliver will be a guest of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), getting behind the wheel of his own 911 Dakar. His presence infuses the event with a contemporary music-festival vibe, attracting a younger demographic. Similarly, Daniel Arsham, whose work frequently explores the intersection of art and automotive design, brings a high-culture cachet, reinforcing the event's status as a design-forward gathering.

They are joined by professional drift racer Sara Choi, off-road champion Christopher Polvoorde, and actress and driver Emelia Hartford, who will be participating with Nissan. This eclectic mix ensures a dynamic spectacle, showcasing everything from the precise car control of drifting to the raw power of a Baja 1000 trophy truck on ice. The event becomes a stage where different facets of car culture—and culture at large—can interact and find common ground on the frozen track.

Innovation on Ice: Brands Push Experiential Marketing Boundaries

The unique setting and high-profile audience of the FAT Ice Race make it a powerful platform for experiential marketing, and partner brands are seizing the opportunity with innovative activations. The event serves as a proving ground not just for drivers, but for brands looking to create memorable, immersive experiences.

Nike's All Conditions Gear (ACG) will make its debut with a "Man vs. Machine" challenge, pitting an ACG athlete against an All Conditions Test Vehicle in a dramatic race across the ice terrain. Bentley Motors will showcase its Bentayga X Concept stateside, a bespoke vehicle that carries a Bambino-sized kart, signaling a new long-term partnership with FAT International.

Meanwhile, PCNA will host attendees with a custom nail bar and warm beverages around fire pits, creating a chic alpine lounge atmosphere next to a specially commissioned sculpture. The event will also see the debut of the FAT Racing Department's first-ever F4 car, a signal of the brand's serious ambitions to compete in British Formula 4 and nurture new racing talent. These activations go beyond simple sponsorship, integrating brands into the fabric of the event and offering attendees unique, shareable moments.

Balancing Spectacle with Stewardship in Big Sky

The arrival of a major motorsport event in a pristine mountain environment like Big Sky brings both economic opportunity and environmental responsibility into sharp focus. The influx of high-end tourism, with ticket packages reaching thousands of dollars and curated trips organized by institutions like the Petersen Automotive Museum, is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, contributing to the resort tax that funds community infrastructure.

At the same time, hosting such an event requires careful management. The event's local partner, Lone Mountain Land Company, has a track record of integrating conservation into its development plans, with large portions of its land holdings permanently protected to preserve wildlife corridors. While the press release does not detail specific environmental mitigation efforts for the race itself, the event operates within a framework of a community that is actively planning for sustainable growth.

The public will have a chance to get a preview of the action at the "FAT CARS, BIG SKY" meet-up on Thursday, February 26, at Big Sky's Town Center Plaza. This free, open-to-the-public gathering will showcase a selection of the rare cars participating in the weekend, offering a bridge between the exclusive event and the local community. It's a nod to the event's goal of celebrating car culture not just as a high-end spectacle, but as a passion shared by many, set against the stunning backdrop of the American West.