The Art of Ice: Inside Peppermill Reno’s Groundbreaking Ice Program

The Art of Ice: Inside Peppermill Reno’s Groundbreaking Ice Program

by Katie Silva

When you think of Peppermill Reno, visions of luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife may come to mind. But beneath the surface of this iconic resort lies an art form as fleeting as it is mesmerizing: ice carving. Led by Assistant Executive Chef and master ice carver Arjel Guno, Peppermill’s ice program is a blend of creativity, innovation, and engineering – a testament to the artistry and ambition that define the property.

From producing crystal clear blocks of ice to carving intricate sculptures and custom cocktail cubes, the ice program has evolved into a one-of-a-kind operation. This is the story of how it all began and where it stands today.

The Beginning

Guno’s introduction to ice carving came as a surprise. After winning a pumpkin carving contest, Peppermill’s general manager recommended that Guno be trained in the art of ice. From there, Guno began honing his craft, first with small carvings displayed at Sunday brunches, moving to larger pieces like life-sized sculptures displayed at New Year’s Eve parties. His first solo piece was an astonishing replica of the White House, created with 30 ice blocks, displayed at a Safari Club convention. Since taking ownership of the property’s ice program, the number of ice sculptures has steadily increased from one to two per event, to most recently, 11 ice sculptures displayed at Barrels & Bites, a fundraiser supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.

Peppermill Reno’s ice program began modestly with just four chambers dedicated to freezing ice blocks. Each chamber was essentially a large rectangular freezer, equipped to create blocks of ice weighing up to 400 pounds. Back then, the scope of the program was small.

“When I started, it was just a couple of basic panels or maybe a logo,” recalls Guno. “We didn’t imagine back then how much this would grow.”

However, the demand for custom ice grew steadily, driven by Peppermill’s commitment to offering something extraordinary for their guests. Over time, the program expanded from four chambers to 12, with production scaling up to meet the needs of Peppermill’s events, restaurants, bars, and lounges.

“We started with four chambers and thought that was enough. Now we have 12, and sometimes I wish we had even more,” Guno jokes. “The ultimate dream is to turn the parking garage into an ice facility!”

A Crystal Clear Vision

The clarity of Peppermill’s ice is legendary, a feature that sets it apart from the competition. Achieving such perfection requires both engineering precision and an obsessive attention to detail. Each chamber is equipped with a pump that circulates water continuously during the freezing process. This movement prevents air bubbles from forming, creating ice that is as clear as glass.

“When water is moving, it doesn’t trap air, and that’s the secret,” Guno explains. “It’s the same reason why ice in rivers or waterfalls is so clear – it’s constantly flowing.”

The process is deliberate and time-intensive. Each block of ice takes four to five days to freeze completely, ensuring clarity and structural integrity. After freezing, the blocks are trimmed to a uniform size of 20 by 40 by 10 inches, each weighing about 300 pounds.

“The longer you take to freeze the ice, the clearer it gets,” Guno adds. “If you rush it, you’ll see bubbles and cloudiness. Quality ice takes patience.”

From Art to Utility

What makes Peppermill’s ice program stand out isn’t just the clarity of its ice but the range of creative uses for it. On one end of the spectrum are large-scale ice sculptures, crafted for special events, weddings, and corporate gatherings. On the other end is craft ice, used in cocktails served throughout the resort’s bars.

The sculptures showcase a breathtaking level of artistry. From majestic eagles to full-scale dinosaurs, the creations often serve as the centerpiece for events. The Jurassic Park-themed T-Rex, one of the program’s most ambitious projects, required 23 blocks of ice and meticulous engineering to achieve its towering 8-foot height.

“When I sculpt, I think about what makes the subject recognizable,” Guno explains. “For a T-Rex, it’s the teeth and proportions. For an eagle, it’s the feathers. Those are the details that matter.”

In addition to sculptures, the program produces custom craft ice for cocktails. Bartenders use a variety of shapes – spheres, cubes, diamonds, and more – all made with the same attention to detail. Some cubes are even etched with the Peppermill logo or filled with edible glitter for an added touch of luxury.

“Good ice makes a drink better,” Guno says. “It melts slower, keeps the flavors intact, and adds visual appeal. We want every element, even the ice, to reflect our high standards.”

A Team Effort

While Guno leads the program, he’s quick to credit his team for its success. The ice program includes a diverse group of artists and technicians who bring unique skills to the table. Sarah Geisler, property mixologist and talented 2D artist, handles much of the design work, while Alan Saloney Jr., a sushi chef at Peppermill’s Oceano restaurant, provides critical support during production.

“Sarah is amazing at drawing and textures,” Guno notes. “Alan, on the other hand, is a hard worker who ensures everything runs smoothly. When I’m carving, he’s there to make sure the floor is clear, the tools are ready, and everything is safe.”

New to the team is Brian Valencia, an award-winning cake designer who also works in Peppermill’s pastry kitchen. His talent for 3D art and design makes him the perfect addition.

The collaborative nature of the team allows the program to tackle ambitious projects. For example, creating the T-Rex sculpture involved hours of preparation – measuring, stacking, and aligning blocks of ice to ensure the final design would be stable and proportional. The carving process itself took days, requiring the use of chainsaws, chisels, and specialized tools like die grinders to shape the ice.

“It’s not just about carving,” Guno explains. “You have to think about engineering, too. Ice is heavy and fragile, so you need to balance the design with practical considerations.”

Challenges and Innovation

Working with ice is both physically demanding and creatively challenging. The team works in a freezer set to 17°F, a temperature carefully calibrated to keep the ice stable without making it too brittle. They wear heavy gear, including non-slip boots, gloves, and insulated jackets, to stay safe in the freezing conditions.

“Safety is a top priority,” Guno says. “We use power tools like chainsaws and grinders, which require focus and precision. If your hands are numb or you’re not wearing the right gear, it can be dangerous.”

Despite the challenges, the team thrives on pushing boundaries. One of the program’s most innovative features is its use of computer numerical control (CNC) technology. The CNC machine allows for precise cutting of logos and simple designs, though more complex sculptures, like the T-Rex, are still carved entirely by hand.

“CNC is great for things like logos, but it can’t replace the artistry of hand carving,” Guno notes. “For something unique, it’s all about experience and creativity.”

Ice as an American Dream

For Guno, the ice program represents more than just creative expression – it’s a deeply personal journey. Originally from Batangas in the Philippines, he was one of 28 chefs selected from more than a thousand applicants to work at Peppermill Reno in 2007. The opportunity to come to the U.S. was a dream come true, and he’s remained loyal to the resort ever since. From his beginning as an assistant master cook at Peppermill’s buffet, to being promoted to Assistant Executive Chef in 2024 and leading the resort’s ice program, Guno is a testament to growth through hard work and perseverance.

“Peppermill gave me a chance to prove myself,” Guno reflects. “I’ve grown so much here, both as a chef and as an artist. Every ice carving I do is a way of saying thank you.”

Peppermill Reno’s ice program is more than just a showcase of artistry – it’s a testament to the power of innovation, teamwork, and passion. Whether it’s a towering sculpture or a perfectly clear cube in a cocktail, every piece of ice reflects the resort’s commitment to excellence.

For Guno, it’s about more than carving ice. It’s about telling stories, pushing boundaries, and creating moments that connect people.

“This is more than just ice,” he concludes. “It’s about creating something that lasts, even if it’s only for a moment. That’s what makes it special.”

The Peppermill ice program shines as both a remarkable achievement and a story of dreams realized – proof that even something as simple as frozen water can be transformed into extraordinary art.