Northstar Ski Resort California

Northstar Ski Resort is located in Lake Tahoe, California. It's one of the most popular ski resorts and a great spot for families.

Northstar California (formerly Northstar at Tahoe) has transformed itself from a simple day ski area into one of the best destination resorts in the US. Since 2010, the Northstar Ski Resort has been owned by Vail Resorts, so it has the characteristics you’d expect of a Vail Resort; high quality customer service and very well developed infrastructure and amenities.

The Northstar Ski Resort is the all-inclusive Disneyland of ski resorts with all the bells and whistles you could dream of. Sure you might need to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of staying at the upscale Northstar Resort, but the Star is very fine indeed. And just like Disneyland, kids will adore Northstar Tahoe, as will their parents!

Northstar Ski Resort Lodges and Accommodation

Pros and Cons of Northstar California

The Northstar Ski Resort is the Disneyland of ski resorts with all the bells and whistles you could dream of. Sure you might need to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of staying at the upscale Northstar Resort, but the Star is very fine indeed. And just like Disneyland, kids will adore Northstar Tahoe, as will their parents!

Pros and Cons of Northstar California Pros:

The Village at Northstar is upscale and has plenty to offer. The mid-mountain Ritz-Carlton Northstar hotel is also fabulous.
The lift infrastructure is impressive and there are various fast chair lifts.
The resort has a great family atmosphere and a well regarded kids ski school program. It’s ideal for families (with children 3 and up – child care is only for kids 2 and up and it’s in an inconvenient location).
Northstar California has great beginner terrain and an abundance of trails for intermediates.
It can be used as a base to explore other nearby Tahoe ski resorts.
Riders on the storm… the trees can be fabulous when it’s puking snow and nearby resorts are on wind hold.
A major strength is the freestyle terrain.

Cons:

Northstar is very expensive, but good things never come cheaply. You have to pay truckloads for food, lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski school and lodging. If Northstar is within your budget, enjoy the exclusivity, and if not then go elsewhere.
Northstar is popular for good reason, so it can be crowded, particularly on weekends.

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Northstar Main Website

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Northstar Village

Jack and his family decided to spend their holidays at the Northstar Village nestled within the stunning Northstar California Resort. They had been planning this vacation for months, eagerly awaiting the snow-dusted landscapes, outdoor adventures, and the cozy warmth of the resort lifestyle.

The village, a picturesque alpine settlement straight out of a storybook, greeted them with twinkling fairy lights adorning the trees and buildings, snow-capped roofs, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodies and hot cocoa wafting from local eateries.

Their first day was filled with exploring the Village, a hub of activity filled with skiers in brightly colored gear, shops selling everything from ski equipment to souvenirs, and inviting restaurants and cafes. One particular spot that caught Jack's attention was the Northstar Lodge. Tucked away amidst the scenic beauty, the lodge was a haven of luxury, boasting elegant rooms and state-of-the-art amenities.

Northstar Village

Their afternoons were often spent on the snow-laden trails. Jack's son was eager to try out skiing for the first time, and the resort's beginner-friendly terrain, coupled with excellent ski instructors, made it an exciting and enjoyable learning experience. Jack's daughter, an experienced skier, loved the resort's more challenging runs and even tried out the terrain park. The resort's fast and efficient lift system made it easy to navigate the expansive terrain, with the Northstar lift tickets providing seamless access to all corners of the mountain.

For Jack and his wife, who were not as inclined to the adrenaline-fueled activities, the village offered plenty of leisure options. From curling up with a good book beside the roaring fire in their room at the Northstar Hotel to pampering spa treatments, and leisurely strolls along the village's quaint pathways, their vacation was turning out to be a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

One of their favorite pastimes quickly became exploring the dining scene in the village. They found culinary delight at the Bourbon Pub Northstar, an upscale pub offering an eclectic mix of comfort food and an impressive range of craft beers and bourbons. The warmth of the place, coupled with its inviting ambiance, made it a perfect spot for evening gatherings.

As the days passed, they discovered more of what the Northstar Village had to offer - from tubing on the gentle slopes to ice skating on the rink in the village center. It was not just a place for sports enthusiasts, but a haven for those seeking a serene, relaxing escape as well.

Each day in the village ended with them gathered around one of the fire pits in the village center, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories of their adventures, the fire casting a warm glow against the crisp, cold air of the night.

The memories of this vacation, filled with shared laughter, new experiences, and the enchanting beauty of the Northstar Village, would remain etched in their hearts for a lifetime. As they left the village at the end of their vacation, they carried with them the spirit of Northstar - a celebration of life, love, family, and the simple joy of a winter's day spent in a snowy paradise.

Northstar has a number of ski runs. It is a very well-groomed mountain and a great spot for beginners and intermediate skiers.
The Northstar Village has shops, a skating rink surrounded by fire pits, and there are a number of different social and entertainment activities.
If you are an expert skier, Squaw Valley Ski Resort may work better for you - some experts also like it a lot.

Where to Stay While at Northstar:

Northstar Lodging The Northstar Village is medium-sized and incorporates upscale lodgings, lots of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Northstar lodging primarily consists of luxurious properties. There are modern condos for families or groups, multi-bedroom mountain homes, as well as some pampering at the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel. More economical lodging options can be found on the north shore of Lake Tahoe (7 miles away) or in the town of Truckee (6 miles away), which has some western charm.

There are quite a few places to stay within a couple of miles of the ski resort and most are rated very well by past guests.

See the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts Accommodation Reviews.

Table Mountain Resorts Lodging Iron Horse Lodging

Table Mountain Resorts Iron Horse Lodging provides guests with a charming, comfortable, and convenient stay right at the heart of Northstar Village. With its warm, rustic decor reflecting the ambiance of the surrounding mountain landscape, each unit offers a unique home-away-from-home experience. The accommodations range from cozy studio units perfect for a romantic getaway to spacious multi-bedroom units for families or groups, all equipped with modern amenities. Its prime location is a key highlight; guests have easy access to Northstar California Resort’s ski lifts, trails, and a plethora of dining and shopping options within the village. The property also features common areas with fireplaces, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. Iron Horse Lodging effortlessly combines the rustic charm of a mountain resort with the comforts of modern living for an unforgettable stay in Northstar California.

Families love this place a give it really high marks. It's really close to the slopes, have great amenities like kitchens and the extras, and the beds are known as being especially comfy. Definitely the first place to check out if you want to stay here.

Table Mountain Resorts Lodging 1 Village Place

Staying here will pretty much guarantee you a great stay. It has received perfect marks so many times it's amazing and very uncommon. It's known for its luxury, great location close to the slopes, and romance. Just beautiful!

Table Mountain Resorts Lodging Catamount Lodge

A beautiful spot and great for families. Unlike the Iron Horse Lodging, the kitchen here comes fully stocked. It has great service and is one of the newest buildings in the area. Like the previous two places, this one is also very close the ski slopes at Northstar ski resort.

Table Mountain Resorts Lodging Great Bear Lodge

Here you can get a condo that is immaculate and beautiful. Along with the other places to stay, parking is underground in a heated area. It's a great place to stay if you are with a big group and has great views.

Table Mountain Resorts Lodging Big Horn Lodge

Those who stay here often note the "at home" and cozy feelings they get. The staff are great and there is lots of stuff to do here. It gets wonderful reviews from past guests and you won't go wrong by staying here

Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, set amidst the majestic beauty of Northstar California Resort, is an epitome of luxury mountain lodging. The hotel brings together the best of both worlds – the grandeur of a Ritz-Carlton and the rustic charm of a mountain resort. From the moment you arrive, the impeccable service and welcoming atmosphere that Ritz-Carlton is known for is evident.

Luxury resort option for families at Northstar.

Each room and suite is tastefully designed, offering a harmonious blend of modern amenities and classic mountain-inspired decor. The panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains that greet you from the windows add to the tranquil ambiance of the rooms.

Their on-site dining options are exceptional. Manzanita, their signature restaurant, serves a seasonally inspired menu that is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. For those seeking relaxation after a day of mountain adventure, the hotel's spa provides an array of rejuvenating treatments designed to soothe and invigorate.

Click the link above to see our Ritz review on the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts page.

Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

See all the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts.

Check out what people have been saying lately about Northstar Ski Resort, click here.

For more skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit our California ski resorts page.

Pro or Con Depending on Your Perspective

The Northstar Ski Resort is a very groomed hill. They’d groom the glades if they could!
One of the reasons for the popularity of Northstar is the Epic Pass. Day lift tickets at Northstar cost a bomb, yet thankfully there are various Epic multi-day passes available that provide access to Heavenly ski resort and Kirkwood, as well as other Vail Resorts. These passes provide great value.
Northstar is just a pimple of a hill; it’s not a mountain. There is nothing particularly steep, and the elevation isn’t very high so the snow can be inferior to neighbouring resorts. However there is an amazing amount of snowmaking to provide decent cover… if you like riding fake snow.

Northstar Ski and Snowboard Terrain The Northstar Ski Resort is reasonably sizeable with 97 trails spread across 3,170 acres (1,283 hectares), and a vertical drop of 2,280 feet (695 metres). It’s easy to navigate with minimal traversing, especially compared to other Tahoe ski resorts like Heavenly, and you won’t run the risk of ending up in Nevada for the night!

Northstar Tahoe is renowned for the impeccable corduroy groomers and the abundance of tree-lined cruisers. Beginners are incredibly well catered for, and the Northstar Ski Resort is absolute heaven for intermediates with 60% of the trails rated as blue, although on some of the trails you may experience a little déjà vu. Some of the black runs are groomed and appropriate for intermediates, or they are fantastic for advanced riders to really let it rip!

Some hard-core riders call it “Flatstar” because it’s reasonably mellow and there’s nothing to frighten experts, particularly relative to the gnarly Squaw Valley with its cliffs and alpine cornices. At the Northstar Ski Resort, the terrain is below the tree-line, so the main drawcard for advanced riders is the tree skiing on Lookout Mountain as well as the glades on the Backside.

Activities

The Northstar Village has a big ice skating rink. If you don’t want to don some skates, you can just watch the action rink-side whilst sipping on a cocktail. Or you can swap stories of the day beside one of the many fire pits whilst gobbling on a s'more (a roasted marshmallow and chocolate treat). Other than shopping, other North Star activities include cross-country skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, dog sled tours, and snowshoeing, or for the ultimate relaxation you can indulge at a day spa.

As far as dining goes, Northstar has a great selection of dining options. One notable spot is the Bourbon Pub Northstar, a modern pub that offers a casual and lively atmosphere, with a menu featuring reimagined pub classics with a twist and an extensive beer and bourbon list.

Northstar Tickets and Season Pass

There are several options for lift tickets at Northstar. Single day passes are available as well as multi-day passes. If you plan to ski often, the season pass can offer great value. They are usually available for purchase in early fall, and prices increase as the season approaches. The Epic Pass also provides access to Northstar along with many other ski resorts.

Opening Day and Hours

Northstar's 2022 opening day for example was on November 12. The resort typically opens in mid-November and runs through late April, weather permitting. The lift hours usually run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

From the first day of the season to the last, whether you're a first-time skier or a seasoned pro, Northstar California Resort offers a winter experience unlike any other. From the friendly, attentive staff, to the buzz of activity in the Village, to the quiet serenity of the snowy slopes, there's something for everyone at Northstar. Come and experience it for yourself!

Northstar Snow

Like many other California ski resorts, Northstar has the fabulous combination of plentiful sunny days and an abundance of snowfall. Northstar Tahoe receives an average of 350 inches (9 metres) of snow per season, and to help Mother Nature along, there are lots of snowmaking guns that amazingly cover about 50% of the terrain.

Where is Northstar Tahoe?

The Northstar Ski Resort is one of the northern Tahoe ski resorts in California, just 7 miles north of Lake Tahoe (Kings Beach) and 7 miles south of the town of Truckee.

Considering the great local transportation options, a Northstar ski vacation can easily incorporate other nearby Lake Tahoe ski resorts such as Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Homewood, and Mt Rose. With that much terrain on offer, you could never be bored!

fAQ on Northstar ski resort in California

Q: Where is Northstar Ski Resort located?

A: Northstar Ski Resort is located in the state of California, USA. It's situated near the north shore of Lake Tahoe, just 7 miles north of Kings Beach and 7 miles south of the town of Truckee.

Q: What types of trails does Northstar have?

A: Northstar offers a variety of terrain to accommodate skiers and riders of all levels. The resort has 97 trails spread across 3,170 acres, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.

Q: What are the operating hours of Northstar? A: The resort usually opens in mid-November and operates until late April, weather permitting. Lift hours typically run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Q: Does Northstar offer ski lessons?

A: Yes, Northstar offers ski and snowboarding lessons for all skill levels, including private and group lessons. They also offer a well-regarded kids ski school program.

Q: What lodging options are available at Northstar?

A: The Northstar Village incorporates a variety of upscale lodgings, including modern condos, multi-bedroom mountain homes, and the luxurious 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel. More economical lodging options can be found on the north shore of Lake Tahoe or in the nearby town of Truckee.

Q: Are there non-skiing activities available at Northstar?

A: Yes, besides skiing and snowboarding, Northstar offers a range of activities like cross-country skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, dog sled tours, and snowshoeing. The village also features a large ice-skating rink, numerous shops, restaurants, and day spas.

Q: How much do lift tickets cost at Northstar?

A: Lift ticket prices can vary based on the season and the age of the skier. Single-day passes are available as well as multi-day passes. For regular skiers, season passes can provide better value. Northstar is also included in the Epic Pass, which grants access to many other ski resorts.

Q: How much snow does Northstar typically receive?

A: Northstar Tahoe receives an average of 350 inches (9 metres) of snow per season. The resort also has extensive snowmaking capabilities that cover about 50% of the terrain.

Q: Does Northstar offer dining options?

A: Yes, Northstar offers a wide range of dining options, from quick bites to upscale dining experiences. One notable spot is the Bourbon Pub Northstar, a modern pub offering a menu of pub classics with a twist and an extensive beer and bourbon list.

Q: Is Northstar family-friendly?

A: Yes, Northstar is known for its family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of amenities and activities for children, including a well-regarded ski school program and child care options.

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