About the program
Tahoe Backcountry Radio gives each backcountry zone around Lake Tahoe and Truckee one community channel on the license-free FRS band. Skiers, riders and snowshoers in the same zone can share conditions, coordinate routes and call for help.
The 2026–27 season
This is the program's second season. The Patrol is doing more outreach this winter, and the radio program is part of it.
Last season
- 26 trailheads and huts with signs
- 30 Trail Stewards trained
- 6 press pieces
- 10 film and community nights
- 5 trailhead outreach days
- 2 community meetings
- 2 conference talks
Where it comes from
Community radio channels started in Telluride, Colorado, launched by the Telluride Mountain Club in the 2014–15 winter. Tahoe's program also drew on the Snoqualmie Pass, Washington community for channel organization, zone mapping and best practices. Rocky Talkie promotes community channels nationwide and supports the program.
Programs Tahoe learned from: Telluride Mountain Club, Snoqualmie Pass (NWAC) and the Wasatch (Utah Avalanche Center). Read how Telluride's radios have saved lives.
Safety
Community channels are not monitored by authorities. Radios connect you to other groups, not to rescue services. Call 911 when you have service.
Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol
The program is run by Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol, a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol. Patrollers cover the public lands around Lake Tahoe and Truckee in groups of three or more, every winter weekend from December to mid-April.
Contact
Jamie Morgan leads the program. jamie@tahoebackcountryradio.org