Northstar California

About Northstar California

Northstar California consistently receives acknowledgement as a top family ski resort. With 60 percent intermediate, or blue terrain, and enough beginner and expert runs to keep everyone satisfied, Northstar at Tahoe is an ideal ski destination for a family or large group with varied skiing ability.

The many kid-friendly activities, like snow tubing, pottery and candle making and ice skating seal the deal for families. It’s also a popular destination for park skiers and snowboarders, with seven world-class terrain parks. In fact snowboard phenom Shaun White calls Northstar California home if you're lucky you may catch him training on the resort's 22-foot halfpipe. The Burton Snowboard Academy and Burton Riglet Park are also attractive programs for aspiring snowboarders and little jibbers.

How to get to Northstar California

Northstar is easily accessible from several major airports. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest, providing quick access to the resort. Sacramento International Airport and San Francisco International Airport are also convenient options for travelers. Renting a car will make geting around the lake convenient.

Getting around

The complimentary shuttle service at Northstar simplifies transportation throughout the resort for guests. Yet, given the village's self-sufficient nature, there's little necessity for driving or using the shuttle once you've settled into your accommodations.

Skiing in Northstar California

With 60 percent of the resort's 98 runs are designated blue, the overwhelming preponderance of Northstar California terrain is best suited for intermediate skiers. Most intermediates will spend their day on looker’s left (if you're in front of a trail map) side of the mountain. Intermediate skiers also get the Northstar’s longest trail, Logger’s Loop at 1.4 miles. 

The vast majority of blue runs at Northstar are perfect groomed cruisers, but there are a couple zones that are quite convenient for intermediates looking to challenge themselves. Northstar, in general, isn’t considered to be a steep mountain, so there isn’t a better resort for intermediates to challenge themselves. From the top of the Comstock Express chairlift, skiers should head left off of the chairlift and begin descending down East Ridge. Off the left side of the run, they'll see several black trails. All of these are on the shorter side and lead into blue, and even green, trails.

Beginner Skiing in Northstar

The Big Easy and Village Run are ideal for beginners, offering gentle slopes, beginner-friendly facilities like ski rentals and schools, and easy access to terrain. These areas provide a comfortable and scenic skiing experience for those just starting out.

Luggi's and Logger's Loop and East Ridge offer intermediate skiers the chance to advance their skills on well-groomed terrain, with the added bonus of enjoying breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Ski Schools and Tours

Northstar's ski schools cater to all skill levels. The professional instructors provide both group and private lessons, ensuring that every skier, from beginner to expert, can improve their skills. For those looking to explore the mountain in a more structured way, Northstar offers guided tours that cover the best terrain and hidden gems of the resort.

Expert Skiing in Northstar

Advanced to expert skiers on a Northstar California ski vacation have ample terrain options with nearly 30-percent of the terrain designated at expert. Northstar offers plenty of steeps, moguls and glades, but experts looking for extreme terrain and more technical high alpine skiing might look elsewhere.

 That being said, this is why Northstar makes for such an incredible family ski destination. Expert parents or teens can enjoy the resort’s steeper terrain, while beginners and youngsters in the family have an overwhelming amount of terrain options.

The best and most concentrated Northstar expert terrain is found on looker’s right side of the mountain. Skiers and boarders looking for the most challenging of Northstar’s terrain want to head immediately to the resort’s “Backside.”

 To get there quickly, start from Martis Camp Express chairlift to Backside Express chairlift. But, if you’re staying in the main base village head up the Big Springs Express Gondola , then hop on the Arrow Express chairlift to the Comstock Express chairlift. From the Summit of 8,610-foot Mt. Pluto drop into Polaris or Burnout trails for long, sustained steeps. 

If weather and conditions permit head down Sierra Grande or Challenger from the top of the Backside Express. Follow either trail along the ridgeline, which will lead into the coveted Northstar expert glades: Sawtooth Ridge. If you’re on the hunt for incredible tree skiing both Backside Express and Martis Camp Express offer a ton. 

Off of Backside Express head skier’s right and drop into Monument Glade for fun, squeal-inducing glades. Off of the Martis Camp Express its pretty much skier’s choice for more incredible, well-spaced tree skiing. And if you find yourself on looker’s left side of the mountain amongst the sea of beginners and intermediates, don’t despair you have options off of the Vista Express chairlift. Head skier’s left off of the lift on Logger’s Loop but cut into the trees on your left high for a Sawmill Glade, a fun, quick glade.

Family vacations in Northstar California

Northstar is renowned for its family-friendly vibe, offering a variety of activities perfect for family ski vacations. Highlights include Kid's Adventure Zones for safe skiing fun, an ice-skating rink for off-slope enjoyment, and Ski.com's top picks like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing on picturesque trails, and tubing down the mid-mountain hill.