Hitchhikers

One odd thing about Tahoe city is all the hitchhikers. Everyday there are youngish people hanging out a thumb, presumably looking for a ride to ride or ski. Is this typical in ski towns?
This am while making breakfast, we saw a young woman, alone, trying to get a ride. After waiting a while , she started walking. So, while a lot of people seem interested in hitching a ride, it doesn't seem necessarilly too easy to get picked up. at least not at 7am.we haven't picked up anyone, but with our big Ford Enormo-car we have the room.