Weather Update

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

We are happy to report that we have about 2 and 1/2 feet of snow on the ground and are expecting even more in the weather front that is heading our way. The forecast is telling us to expect between 6 and 12 inches in the next day or so and even more after that.

Currently all trails are groomed and being enjoyed by our cross country skiers as well as snowshoers and our tubing and snowboarding hills have been very popular.

Because of the snow we have received as well as the snow we are expecting, the Generals Highway (the road that leads from the 180 to our resort) is currently closed and we are running our escort services in and out of our property. At the end of this blog you will find an Escort FAQ.

Weather Update:

This Afternoon: Snow. Temperature falling to around 24 by 5pm. South southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 23. South southeast wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

Christmas Day: Snow showers. The snow could be heavy at times. Temperature rising to near 24 by 10am, then falling to around 19 during the remainder of the day. South wind 11 to 18 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind between 6 and 10 mph.



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.

Weather Update

After a couple of days of beautiful blue sky and sunshine, all of us at Montecito are looking forward to the heavy snow that we are expecting starting tonight (Dec 21st) and lasting at least til mid-week this week.

We currently have about two feet of snow on the ground and have been happy to offer fully groomed ski trails for our guests.

Although the roads have been open for the last two days we are expecting a snow storm tonight that should leave up to 5 or 6 inches of snow on the ground, making it very possible that the roads will be closed come morning. For all guests traveling up to the Lodge we highly advise you to call our Lodge's main line on 559-565-3388 before you set off on your journey to check on the road conditions and to make sure that the roads to us are open and we are not running an escort service for you day of arrival.

Please find the weather forecast for today and Monday below:

This Afternoon: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 39. North wind around 6 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Snow showers. Low around 27. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday: Snow showers. Temperature falling to around 17 by 5pm. West southwest wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Light and variable wind.

Today we have beautiful sunshine and fresh powder conditions! There is a 20% chance of snow later today with a high of 22 F and a low of 12 F. Do to heavy snow please call ahead for escort times. Highway 180 is open all the way to Grant Grove Village, this is where our escort guide meets our guests.

Weather Update

This Morning Montecito woke up with snow and beutiful sunshine. Snow is melting, but we are still having snow predictions.

Today- Likely to have snow showers and cloudy with a high of 19.
Tonight- there is a 40% chance of snow showers with a low of 17.

Wednesday- A 30% chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 21 by noon.
Wednesday night- Moslty cloudy, with a low around 14.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!

Montecito woke up with snow this morning! Generals Hwy is closed the only way to enter Montecito is by our Escort Service. Road conditions are subject to change.

This Afternoon- Mostly cloudy with Snow showers.
Tonight- We have a 30% chance of snow and very cloudy.
Sunday- There is a 50% chance of snow showers. Cloudy sky with a high of 22 and lows of 12 at night.

Snow showers are being predicted all through Thursday.

Wednesday- Saturday Weather Update

Today- Sunny with a high near 54.

Tonight- Mostly Clear with a low of 35.

Thursday- Sunny with high near 57.

Thursday Night- Partly Cloudy with low near 33.

Friday- Sunny high near 52.

Friday Night- Partly cloudy low 29.

Saturday- Mostly Cloudy high 29 with 20% chance of snow showers.

Saturday Night- Mostly Cloudy with a slight change of snow and a low near 19.

Tonight- Mostly clear sky, with a low around 29.
Tuesday- Sunny, with a high near 48 and a low of 29.

We have been having very sunny days with cold mornings and evenings. No snow yet!

Weather

Tonight- Mostly Clear Sky, With a low of 29.

Tuesday- Sunny, with a high of 48 and a low of 29.

Wednesday- Sunny, high 49 and a low of 31.

We have been having really nice sunny days with cold mornings and evenings. NO snow yet!

Weather Update

This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West northwest wind around 6 mph.


Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Light east southeast wind.