Recent historic winter storms in Southern California’s mountain communities left the team at the Lake Arrowhead Lodge with more than 100 inches (eight feet) of accumulated snowfall. It was the most snow the area had seen since 1965 and resulted in a state of emergency for San Bernardino and 12 other counties.
At the century-old UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge, team members spent the early days of the storm clearing snow from parking areas and paths to ensure guests could get to their rooms and helping them feel safe during their stay.
“We knew that this major storm was going to challenge us, and we really pulled together as a team to be positive and take care of everyone who needed our help,” said Dylan Matteson, general manager.
For example, one family’s two-night visit turned into nine days, said Matteson, who drove the family down the mountain and to their home when it was safe to do so. The family’s vehicle had “suffered a catastrophic failure” and neither local repair shops nor their auto service company could assist due to the treacherous conditions. The Lodge also provided arts and crafts activities and board games to keep the kids entertained, and the culinary team showed its creativity with recipes when deliveries failed to make it up the mountain, said Matteson, adding that the Lodge was subsequently closed for about three weeks in light of the National Forest System Roads closure and other highway shutdowns.
In addition to stranded guests, the Lodge provided shelter for team members whose homes were destroyed in the storm and for essential workers, such as those with the gas company, who were in the area helping with recovery efforts on the mountain. The Lodge also shared food with neighbors who were having difficulty getting supplies due to road closures and assisted motorists stuck in nearby roads.
“This storm was another reminder to me of what a special team we have here in Lake Arrowhead. Our team went above and beyond because they care about what we do.”
