Snow expected to bring surge of visitors to struggling mountain community of Idyllwild

Snow fell steadily Monday on Highway 243 just outside Idyllwild.

Snow quickly accumulated at the U.S. Forest Service station and on the roadway, where plows passed through.

A group of people out on the highway were among several who got out of the cars to take in the winter wonderland.

Meanwhile, Tamara McFarlane, the manager at the Red Kettle Restaurant in Idyllwild was getting ready for an anticipated boost in customers Tuesday and Wednesday.

Business at the restaurant is off by about 60 percent since the pandemic began.

"The summer was fine. People could take their food and go out and eat under a tree. There is no place to eat right now, especially with the snow. It's too cold out," said McFarlane.

Stephanie Yost is the volunteer President of the Idyllwild Community Center.

Among other things, she oversees management of the town hall, parks, and cultural events.

She says she has noticed a few businesses which have gone out of business, but also knows snowfall can help those whose doors remain open.

At her home, seven inches had fallen by Monday afternoon.

"We're really right in the center, two hours from Los Angeles, 2 hours from San Diego and an hour from the desert so lots of folks will come up to play in the snow," said Yost.

Yost says she and others in Idyllwild are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for residents and visitors alike, by continuing traditions such as the annual tree lighting ceremony.

The year's event was a scaled-down version.

For visitors who do plan to head up the mountain, both Yost and McFarlane remind all to drive carefully on the icy and snowy roadways.

"We do ask that if you do come up, these roads are to drive on, you're not allowed to stop and park in the middle of the street and play in the snow and that is a problem up here," said Yost.