The importance of  California's Hwy 5:

Other California  ski areas would love to have the advantage of having Hwy 5. In fact one of the most common complaints about other ski areas, is access during snow storms. While not imposable, It is very rare for Hwy 5 to close for any storm. Commerce coming from Canada, Washington and Oregon are very important to the California economy. California Department of Transportation does what it takes to keep the traffic running on California’s most important Hwy. While the drive from San Francisco to Tahoe is shorter in actual miles, the drive to Shasta is faster. Not only faster but a much more relaxing drive, set your cruse control, and you won’t have to fight traffic, or windy mountain roads, Hwy 5 is the best way to travel in California.