Montecito Sequoia Lodge: February 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Minor Storm - Road OPEN

3/16/2008 9 am

The road is open, however, a 4x4 or snow chains are required.

Exercise caution, as some spots may be icy.

3/15/08, 12:00pm

A small storm is focused on the area today and tomorrow bringing between 1 and 4 inches of fresh snow to our 5 foot base. The ski conditions are a bit icy and temperatures are expected to remain at or below freezing for the next two days. A warming trend should develop early in the week.

Road Condition: OPEN ( 4x4 or Chains Required)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Storms 'a Coming!

On Tuesday and Wednesday we got a combined 6 inches of fresh powder and we're expecting lots more. Pleas print the Escort FAQ and call us at 559-565-3388 before you leave for current road conditions!

Our base is at 5 feet with great coverage.

Click Here for a Detailed Forecast from the National Weather Service

Road Condition: GATES CLOSED (4x4 or Chains Required, No Escort until further notice)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Outlook Good

It's sunny today and a little chilly. The expected high today is 38 degrees. The road is open, (no escorts). Even though you're required to carry snow chains, they are not required, at this time. Regular tires are okay. Just be careful!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

A Suprise Dusting of Snow!

Cross country ski conditions are very spring like at this point. Rainy and warm days make for difficult skiing. We are still in the midst of winter and we'll be expecting more snow. But as of this point, all we can do is cross our fingers for more snow soon!

Click Here for a Detailed Forecast from the National Weather Service

Road Condition: OPEN (Chains Required, No Escort)

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Sunny, Clear and Gorgeous!

A ridge of high pressure has settled over the region bringing warmer temperatures and lots of sun! Our high temps are in the mid-40's and it gets below freezing at night, which makes for snow that is alternately icy in the AM and slushy in the PM. Our base is at 5 feet with great coverage. Forecast: More of the same.

Click Here for a Detailed Forecast from the National Weather Service

Road Condition: OPEN (Chains Required, No Escort)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Initial test

Testing

Montecito Escort FAQ

Q: What is an 'Escort'?

A: An escort is a caravan of guest and resort vehicles that is often required by the Park Service
due to narrow and icy roads. It is not a shuttle or van service. You will be arriving at Montecito in your own car.

Q: If Montecito requires an escort, where do I go and what do I do?
A: We escort Montecito guests with advanced reservations into the resort at three times per day: 11am, 3pm, and 6pm. The escort caravan meets at the Grant Grove Marketplace. In order to be part of an escort, you must follow these steps exactly:

1. Travel eastbound on Highway 180. If you are coming from the South, Route 63 is the
most efficient. If you are coming from the North, find take Hwy 99 to 180 through Fresno.
See the Directions page for complete instructions.

2. When you transition onto Hwy 180 call the Front Desk at (559) 565-3388 and we will
sign you up for a specific escort time. The times are set at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm and
cannot be changed to accommodate individual needs. You will not be escorted in unless
you have called us prior to your arrival at Grant Grove.

3. Continue on 180 past the Big Stump picnic area until you hit a three-way junction. To
the right is the “Sequoia” road and a locked gate. To the left is “Kings Canyon/Grant
Grove.” Go left at this junction. See this Map for details.

4. Four miles past the junction you'll come to Grant Grove village on the right hand side.
Pull into the parking lot near the Post Office and Marketplace. This is where the escort
will meet. If required, please put on your chains at this time. Unfortunately, our escort
staff cannot assist you in putting on your chains. If you have a prolonged wait, feel free to
make use of the Grant Grove Market, Restaurant and Gift Shop.

Q: If an escort is required, do I need my chains?

A: The Park Service requires that all vehicles carry snow chains regardless of drive-train.
Translation: even if you have 'All Wheel Drive', '4-Wheel Drive', or 'Snow Tires' you are required
by law to carry chains that fit (cable type chains are also permitted). However, if you have AWD,
4x4, or Snow Tires you will most likely not need to use your chains when driving into the Resort,
however chains must be carried (just in case) at all times. Chain use requirements are condition
dependent and determined by the Park Service as indicated on roadside signs.

Q: What happens if I can't make the escort?

A: The park service permits our use of the road three times per day at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm. If
you are unable to arrive on one of these three scheduled times, you will be unable to access our
resort. These times are not flexible and cannot be changed under any circumstances. If you miss
the 6pm escort, we may be able to move your first night's reservation to the John Muir Lodge in
Grant Grove. Please call the Montecito front desk for further information on 559 -565- 3388.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge