LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is promoting backcountry safety with coffee, conversation, and hands on opportunities at their Coffee and Beacon trailhead events.

The organization is known for providing and maintaining the “Are You Beeping?” signs at popular trailheads, which beep when picking up a transmitting beacon. It’s a final reminder and gear test before skiers head into the backcountry.

These Coffee and Beacon events offer participants the opportunity to practice operating their avalanche transceiver over a fresh brewed cup of coffee, while also learning about TBSP’s recently launched Tahoe Backcountry Radio Program.

The program implements community radio channels for increased communication in the backcountry with designated channels assigned to different popular backcountry zones.

For more information on how the channels work and how they’ve saved lives in other regions, read the Tribune’s article, A lifesaving connection: Community radio channels aim to make Tahoe’s backcountry safer

Look for TBSP at these upcoming Coffee and Beacon events and trailheads:

• March 7 – Carson Pass (in collaboration with the Eldorado Backcountry Ski Patrol)
• March 15 – Tamarack
• April 4 – Tamarack
• April 11 – Carson Pass (in collaboration with the Eldorado Backcountry Ski Patrol)

TBSP is also participating in Alpenglow’s Alpine Meadows demo day with a beacon field, radios, and example packs of what to bring for a day of backcountry skiing. 

Since weather may impact these events, review the latest information on TBSP’s social media (Facebook, Instagram).

Editor’s note: the location of the March 15 event was updated to reflect a venue change.