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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ice!?
Our immersive Christmas experience is a walk-through winter attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures showcasing approximately a dozen scenes from a classic holiday story. Complete with two-story ice slides, spectacular frozen tunnels, and towering ice sculptures, the attraction is kept at a brisk 9°F to maintain the arctic environment. 
Since it’s 9°F, what should I wear inside?

To help keep you warm, all guests receive a complimentary, calf-length winter parka with a hood (available in sizes from infants up to adult 4XL) to wear while in the attraction. We recommend dressing warmly for the occasion: 

  • Parka (provided) 

  • Closed‑toe shoes (required for the ice! slides) & long pants 

  • Hats and gloves (strongly recommended; also available for purchase) 

Are special shoes or boots required?
No. The pathways are carpeted. Closed‑toe shoes are required to ride the ice! slides; hiking boots are not necessary. Warm shoes are suggested since the attraction is 9°F. 
How long does the ice! experience take?
Most guests spend 20-40 minutes inside, but you can take as long as you like. Please remember that it is a frosty 9-degrees Fahrenheit inside the exhibit, so you'll want to bundle up. All tickets are single-entry, meaning once you exit the attraction, you cannot re-enter. 
Where can I buy tickets for ice! at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa?

All tickets must be purchased in advance at tickets.jwhillcountry.com. The resort does not have an on‑site box office. All tickets are electronic and delivered by email; simply show your ticket on your phone for entry. 

How do I get my tickets if I booked an overnight stay package?
As an overnight guest who purchased a package with attraction tickets, you will receive an email prior to your stay with instructions on how to reserve your ticket time slot and receive your e-ticket. There are no physical, printed tickets; simply show your electronic ticket to the attendant who will scan it for entry. 
Do you need to be a hotel guest to buy tickets?
No. However, while most of our holiday events and activities are open to both day guests and overnight guests, some events include special perks for overnight guests.  
What is the Chill Pass, and can I purchase one?
The Chill Pass is an exclusive and complimentary benefit for overnight guests of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. For overnight guests, Chill Pass offers front-of-line access and shorter wait times for ice!. Tickets to ice! are still required and must be purchased separately and in advance. The Chill Pass benefit is not offered for sale. 
Is the ice! attraction accessible?
Our experience is designed to be immersive and engaging for all guests. While the ice slides require guests to walk up steps unassisted and meet specific height requirements, there are many other elements throughout the attraction that are fully accessible. Guests can enjoy beautifully sculpted ice environments, interactive photo opportunities, and moments of discovery around every corner. 
May I take photos and shoot video?
Guests are welcome to take personal photos and shoot video inside the ice! attraction. It is important you check the manufacturer's information regarding the cold tolerance of your phone and/or still or video camera equipment prior to entering. JW Marriott San Antonio HIll Country Resort & Spa is not responsible for damage to any phone and/or camera equipment. You may notice your camera lens fogging when exiting the attraction due to the temperature change. This typically clears within a few minutes. For safety purposes of other guests and our Associates, tripods, additional lights, and related photography and video equipment are not allowed.
Are the ice slides inside the attraction for adults too?
Yes, the ice slides are made for guests of all ages. We have slides created for smaller guests and adults. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs on their own to experience the slides. To enjoy the slides, you must wear closed-toe shoes and one of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa blue parkas provided before you enter. 
May I take photos and shoot video?
Guests are welcome to take photos and shoot video inside the ICE! attraction. It is important you check the manufacturer’s information regarding the cold tolerance of your phone and/or still or video camera equipment prior to entering. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is not responsible for damage to any phone and/or camera equipment. Once thing you might expect: a fogging of your lens after exiting ICE! into warmer temperatures. This usually dissipates once you are in more normal temperatures for a little while. For safety purposes, tripods and related equipment are not allowed.
Where do I park when coming to see ice!? Can I purchase in advance?

We offer multiple parking locations both on-site and off-site with a shuttle service. Day visitors can click here to prepay for parking and save more time and money. Purchase in advance to ensure an icy, smooth visit. Upon arrival, please follow signs to your designated parking location. We highly recommend arriving early to allow ample time for parking.

*Prepaid parking is only available for day visitors. Parking is valid for single use on date of visit, in and out privileges are not allowed. Tax is additional to listed rates.

How long does it take to walk through the attraction?
You can spend as much time as you would like inside the ICE! attraction. Please remember that it is a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit inside the exhibit, so you’ll want to bundle up and keep that in mind when it comes to how much time you plan spend. Most guests will experience ICE! between 20-40 minutes.
Are the ice slides inside the ice! attraction for adults too?
The ice slides are made for guests of all ages. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs on their own, to take a ride down the slides. Please keep in mind that you must wear one of the provided blue parkas to ride down the slides.
Does admission to ice! include complimentary hot chocolate?
Admission does not include complimentary hot chocolate, but it is available for purchase. 
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, small strollers are allowed if they do not impede traffic flow. Double or oversized strollers and wagons (including stroller wagons), whether pushed or pulled, are not permitted in the ice! attraction.