Same terrain.
Same channel.
Every backcountry zone around Tahoe has one shared radio channel. Set it before you leave the car and everyone in that terrain can hear you: hazard reports, "anyone below?", and a call for help when there's no cell service.
Your group's channelUse a channel next to the community channel with your own privacy code, so chatter stays off the community channel.
Always trust the sign at the trailhead. Tell us if the sign differs.
Tahoe Backcountry Radio, via the Community Radio API, CC BY 4.0
Three moments. One habit.
Any FRS radio works. Dual-channel radios make it easy, because you can listen to your partners and the zone at the same time.
Set it at home
- Bring an FRS radio such as a BCA Link or Rocky Talkie. Dual-channel is recommended.
- Set the community channel with privacy code 30 for your trailhead. Tip: program the community channels with code 30 once, then just toggle.
- Pick a partner channel next to the community channel for your own group, with your own code.
Check in
- Check in on the community channel so others know someone is monitoring.
- Dual-channel radios: monitor partner + community.
- Single-channel radios: stay on the community channel and announce when you switch.
- Do a radio check with your group as part of your beacon check.
Key the mic when it matters
- Hazards you observe.
- Entering complex terrain.
- Clear of a line or feature.
- Emergency, or no cell service.
- Keep it brief. Move extended chatter to another channel.
Any FRS radio on a real FRS channel (22 or below) is compatible. VHF radios used by patrol, marine or SAR are not. Repeaters aren't needed and FRS radios don't use them. Read the FAQ.
Say it like this
Plain language, name first, then who you're calling. Catch your breath before you key up. These are the real calls the program asks you to make.
This is Jamie with a party of three checking in at Rubicon trailhead on the backcountry community channel.
We see the weak layer down 10 cm on Jake's north trees at 8,000 feet.
We are about to enter Emerald Chute. Is anyone below?
We are clear of Emerald Chute. We observed a sluff on skier's right halfway down.
This is a backcountry community channel. Please use a different channel or privacy code.
Send a distress call for assistance, or ask another group to call 911 if you have no service.
Radio check with your beacon check. Make sure everyone in the group can transmit and receive.
Decide what to say first. Plain language. Catch your breath.
Key the mic, pause, then talk. Your name, then who you're calling: "Jamie calling Chris."
Carry it where people can see it. A radio on your pack strap starts conversations at the trailhead.
Pick a radio
If you talk to your own group a lot, get dual-channel monitoring. If you mostly want to hear the zone, a small single-channel radio clipped to your strap is plenty.
| Model | Rocky Talkie Expedition | BCA Link Mini | Rocky Talkie Mountain | BCA Link 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | Dual channel | Dual channel | Single channel | Single channel |
| External mic | Yes | — | Yes | Yes, corded |
| Weight | 265 g / 240 g | 182 g / 170 g | 225 g / 173 g | 312 g |
| Power | 5 W (GMRS, license required) | 2 W | 2 W | 2 W |
| Cost | $180 | $120 | $110 | $205 |
Rocky Talkie Expedition. The most range and the best dual-channel functionality, plus NOAA channels and repeater capability. It is heavier and needs a GMRS license.
For some backcountry folks, it might be an upgrade; for others, it might be overkill.The High Route
BCA Link Mini. Great dual-channel monitoring in a low-cost package.
Rocky Talkie Mountain. Small, clips to your pack strap. Set code 30 once on the community channels and toggle at the trailhead.
BCA Link 1.0 and 2.0. Solid but dated, with no digital privacy codes. The 2.0 has a corded microphone.
Full notes and preliminary survey results on the radios page.
Be the person with the radio
Trail Stewards are our advocates on the trail. No schedule, no meetings. Just ski where you already ski and do four things.
Meet us at the trailhead
Coffee, radios to try, and a quick walkthrough of the zone channel. Dates depend on snow, so check the events page before you drive up.
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Last season's schedule. The events page carries the current list.
Complete the usage survey and you're entered to win a Rocky Talkie Expedition. It also subscribes you to program emails.
Start the surveyTen years of proof, now in Tahoe
Backcountry Community Radio started in Telluride, where it has been credited with saving lives. It's now used in a dozen regions across Colorado, Utah and Washington. Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol brought the model here in 2025.
Full list on the press and resources page.