I spent two weeks in Truckee, CA, in March 2023. As a Minnesota native, I’m no stranger to snow, but apparently, snow in this region is an entirely different experience. I’m used to driving in snowy conditions, but people warned me that mountain driving was unique. They mentioned that I might need tire chains and should rent a four-wheel-drive SUV. Though skeptical at first, these warnings started to concern me. Upon my arrival in Reno, I was greeted by sunshine and pleasantly warm weather. I rented my four-wheel-drive SUV and headed to Truckee under a clear sky with dry roads. However, as I approached the first mountain range, signs indicated…