Before 1930 the only way to reach this winter playground was by train; roads were not kept open in winter. It would take the energy and vision of the members of the Auburn Ski Club to finally convince the California Legislature that it was in the state's economic interest to tackle snow removal on highways into the mountains.

Founded in 1930, the Auburn Ski Club and its visionary president, Wendell Robie, worked hard to convince California politicians to support Tahoe's nascent, winter-sports program. Well-organized, politically savvy, and well-connected (California's governor was a member), the Auburn Ski Club arranged for legislators to visit the club's "ski grounds" on Highway 40 (now I-80).

On January 18, 1931, 56 automobiles showed up at the State Capitol in Sacramento to ferry all willing legislators and their families up to the mountains.

The convoy enjoyed a large Highway Patrol escort up into the snowbound mountains. The political pilgrimage to the Sierra was closely followed by 2,400 other vehicles packed with winter sports enthusiasts. They were there to show their support. At the ski grounds, skiers entertained the legislators with jumping exhibitions, and adult refreshments were provided by E. Clampus Vitus (prohibition notwithstanding).

The monumental traffic jam that occurred with all the vehicles stuck at the end of the road convinced the politicians that Robie was right. Gasoline taxes paid by the skiers heading for the hills would easily pay the State's expenses in keeping the roads plowed. The very next day, the State Legislature authorized more than $750,000 for snow removal equipment and personnel, and the development of California skiing was officially underway.

Today, heavy snowstorms and accidents occasionally close the roads to this region, but never for long.

Mark McLaughlin is a weather historian who lives on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.