Introduction

Snow in the trees. Photograph by Brian Walker Photography

As we reflect on the 75-year history of the Sierra-at-Tahoe resort and its predecessor namesake, Sierra Ski Ranch, it’s important to consider why this area is so popular with the people that frequent it. While the area certainly has nice terrain and runs, is easy to get to from both the east and the west, generally has some of the Tahoe area’s best snowfall and offers a great value compared to many of its neighbors; there is an attribute that stands above all the others: the sense of family.

The Original Sierra Ski Ranch circa 1951

This is not a new phenomenon. It has existed from the very first day Sierra Ski Ranch was formed. In fact, the first resort was started as a family project by brothers Ray and Floyd Barrett. Ray and Floyd built a resort for their family and their friends. Word soon got out about how friendly the area was. One of the earliest experiences was a lodge with a huge fireplace where everyone could gather on stormy days or at the end of the day to share their stories. You were part of a family because you were all sharing. This experience did not stop when the Barretts sold Sierra Ski Ranch to the Sprocks, but actually got enhanced.

When Vern Sprock started managing the resort for Ray and Floyd on weekdays and operating the ski shop on weekends, he doted on the Barrett’s customers was as if they were family. And later, when Vern and Bobbie Sprock purchased Sierra Ski Ranch and transformed it into a much larger operation, it was still infused with that family atmosphere, but even more so. Vern and Bobbie extended this exuberance to their immediate family when their children, Kathy and Peter, became a part of the operations. Truly a family-focused endeavor both internally and externally.

Today, under the current leadership of John Rice, even though Sierra-at-Tahoe is owned by a large corporation, in visiting you would assume it’s a family operated enterprise. Every employee seems to know each other and what makes them special. While most of the employees are seasonal, you can expect to see them year after year. And the employees recognize their customers season to season too. A “welcome back” is often accompanied by a remembrance of an experience, it is not just a statement from a procedural manual.

Vern and Bobbie Sprock

And it’s not just the people that are family-friendly. In many ways the resort has strived to make the facilities easy to use, familiar and enjoyable. They know that while the snow and runs are the big attraction, there is much more to having fun than just good snow.

Sierra-at-Tahoe likes to think the resort is yours, and they are just its stewards until you can return and do your part to make it special. Everyone can tailor the resort to whatever their needs and experiences are, whether you are a novice, an expert powder hound, bump basher or groomer cruiser, it’s not hard to find a place at Sierra to meet your needs.

Throughout this book I strive to share with you how all of this came about over the last 75 years and how this collaborative, family-oriented and environmentally focused approach created the resort you love, and continues today. I hope by reading this book, and looking at the many pictures, your own experiences at the resort will be enhanced, and you too will feel like you are a part of the Sierra family, which you are. There are even a few hidden facts embedded in the book to add to your experience; interesting tidbits that you were probably not even aware of, just like you would get from a devoted family member.

So, family member, enjoy the history of Sierra Ski Ranch and Sierra-at-Tahoe and we will see you on the mountain, out on the plaza or in the lodge.

Just before Lower Castle. Photograph by Zach Doleac.