Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Snow?

Currently it is 45 degrees at 8:15 am. The high is expected to be 50 with a 40% chance of precipitation. Tonight, we have an 80% chance of snow with a possible accumulation of 3-5". If you have any questions please call the lodge. Thanks!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Sunshine on my shoulder...

Today will be sunny and cloud free with a high of about 60. Tonight will be getting colder with clouds moving in and a low of 28. There is a chance of receiving snow Tuesday through Friday with the greatest chance of seeing snow on Tuesday night. If you have any questions please call the lodge. THANKS!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Warming up!

Today will be sunny and bright with a high of 50. The low tonight will be around 27 with a clear starry sky above. We currently have three trails open with spring like conditions. Please call the lodge and ask to talk to the ski shop if you have any questions.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Saturday

Today will be a little warmer then yesterday with a high of 40. About 15km of trails have been freshly groomed. Some trails are patchy but are alright for skiing. Please call the lodge with any questions you may have.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Chilly

Today the high will be 30 with a low of 12. There is quite a bit of wind blowing through the forest this morning but it is expected to slow down by the afternoon. The snow has turned into ice around the camp so snowboarding and cross country ski conditions are not suggested, although snowshoeing and tubing are still fine. Please call the lodge for any questions you may have.

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.