The trapped skiers were directly across the snow-blocked highway from the Boreal Mountain Ski Resort, also closed due to the weather, but the resort was able to deploy rescue teams in an attempt to reach them. Another nearby resort, Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, also sent teams. Some used a snow-cat, a manned vehicle that runs on treads in order to move on top of deep snow. They are most commonly used for grooming ski runs, but can also transport people.