Guilliaume Tranchard for Bonnet Magazine - Mar 2nd 2025

FAT Ice Race – A Celebration of Speed, Sound, and Pure Vibes in Zell Am See, Austria

The FAT Ice Race in Austria isn’t just an event – it’s an experience. Once a year, nestled in thebreathtaking Alps near Salzburg, the airfield of Zell Am See transforms into the ultimate playgroundfor car enthusiasts. Motors roar, snow bursts into clouds, and the thrill is electric as drivers dance on the edge of control on the icy track.

FAT originally stood for France Allemagne Transit, a logistics company that sponsored the PorscheRacing Team and embodied the spirit of the 80s. Today, Ferdi Porsche – the grandson of the founder of the legendary brand – owns the FAT brand and has turned it into a celebration of automotive culture. FAT is about community, connection, and pure fun.

Two RUF Rodeo are carefully unloaded from transporters, setting the tone for what is to come. Nearby, the Porsche Museum team is busy fitting studded tires onto a Porsche 911 SC Safari. And then, echoing from the distant ice track, the growl of a 550 Spyder slices through the silence. It is Ferdi Porsche himself, testing the ice with graceful drifts, proving that driving can indeed be an artform. The vibe builds as more machines arrive, from classics to brand-new models like the 911 Carrera T. When night falls, Zell Am See comes alive. The FAT Ice Race pre-party turns the village into a vibrant hub of music and good times. It feels like like an après-ski party, but for the petrolheads, and the excitement is contagious.

The day starts with a cold, crisp morning. Low clouds hang over the mountains until they clear to reveal a breathtaking Alpine backdrop. Engines roar to life, and the first competitors hit the ice track, sending snow flying as they drift through the corners. From rally legends like the Subaru Impreza to the Type 64 Porsche, rugged Meyers Manx buggies, and the open-top Dallara Stradale inTutto Bene colors driven by Christophe Duchesne, every car has its moment to shine.

At the heart of the action was the adrenaline-fueled skijoring, where competitors towed skiers behind iconic cars at high speeds across the icy track. Watching skiers carve through snow, pulled by Lancia Delta and others classic Porsches, was nothing short of epic. This fearless fusion of motorand winter sports perfectly captures FAT Ice Race’s unique spirit.

What sets FAT apart is its ability to bring generations together. From old-school petrolheads reliving memories to young fans discovering the thrill of speed, FAT bridges the gap. It’s about more than cars; it’s about community. And as the day wraps up, the Porsche hangar transforms into a massive dancefloor, with DJ Wolfram Amadeus closing the night with an unforgettable set.

Low clouds settle over Zell Am See the next morning, but the party continues at higher altitudes, above the clouds where the sun is shining. With Keine Sonntag Ohne Techno DJs keeping the energy high, it’s the perfect cure for the Sunday blues– dancing above the clouds, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

FAT is about vibes, not just horsepower. You don’t have to be a car geek to enjoy it. It’s about speed, style, music, and an atmosphere unlike anything else. As I pack my bags, I’m already counting down to next year. Until then, FAT – you’ve stolen my heart and a bit of my hearing.This isn’t just a race. It’s FAT Ice Race. And you definitely want to be there.