Northstar Ski Resort Guide & Reviews Ski Area, Apres-Ski, Things to See & Do at Northstar
Overview
Northstar is a high end ski resort in the Sierra mountains on the north western corner of Lake Tahoe, California. Siting at 1929m, its a high altitude resort with a good snow record and a ski season that typically starts mid November and runs through to late April.
The last few years have seen heavy investment in the resorts infrastructure both on and off the mountain. New high speed lifts have been installed, additional trails created and new mountain restaurants take the skiing experience at Northstar to a new level. The village has also expanded with more apres-ski venues, activities and a children's snowsports centre. There is also an ice-rink in the village center surrounded by fire pits which is a popular place to hangout for drinks after skiing.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1929m |
| Top lift | 2624m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 3170 |
| Longest run | 2 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 24 km |
| Season | Nov - Mid April |
| Snowboard parks | 7 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively |
Northstar Après-ski
The mountain village is uber cool with great shops, bars and restaurants giving an apres-ski scene which is lively, varied and good fun.
Just 6 miles away on the lake is Kings Beach which has a large selection of bars, restaurants serving local and international dishes and clubs.
Northstar Ski Area Guide
With 3170 acres to ski around including 97 trails serviced by 20 state of the art lifts, the ski area is easily large enough to keep all levels of skier and snowboarder entertained for a weeks holiday. And with an average of 350 inches of snow a year, the season typically starts in November and runs through to mid April.
Beginners
First time skiers and boarders are well looked after at Northstar with a large beginners area facing the day lodge serviced by magic carpets and a couple of drags.
Intermediate
Around 60% of the trails are graded for intermediate skiers and boarders with well connected pistes from top to bottom including some fabulous runs through the lower forests.
Advanced
When compared to the scary cliffs and couloirs of Squaw Valley, Northstar does not offer these sort of challenges to the expert skier. However, the forest areas on the Backside and tree riding on Lookout Mountain in deep powder are not to be missed. There is also Avalanche Bowl, Huckleberry Canyon and Jack's Bowl - 3 double diamond black trails in the Village sector that will challenge the experts.
Snowboard
Northstar is renowned for its terrain parks and pipes. From massive jumps on The Straits to the variety of jumps and jibs on Pinball, to the entry level features at the Burton Progression Park, skiers and riders will find challenge, progression and variety at Northstar.
Northstar Lodging Options
The village has 220 condos and family homes available to rent providing the convenience of ski-in, ski-out accommodation plus the 5-star mega hotels of Ritz-Carlton and the Hyatt.
However, another popular alternative and certainly cheaper, is the pretty lakeside towns of Kings Beach and Timberland. Here, you will find many lodging options including chalet type lodges, condos, guest houses and welcoming inns along the shore.
Children & Childcare
For children aged between 2 and 6 years old, the Minor's Camp, based at the Northstar Golf Course clubhouse, provides childcare with a choice of morning or full days. The camp provides fun activities from 8.30am so you can get to the slopes early. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
For children aged 3+, the Northstar Ski & Snowboard school offers private and group lessons.
Things to See & Do
For non-ski activities, head to Squaw Valley where there are many activities for all the family to enjoy including...
- Cross-country skiing
- Tubing
- Tobogganing
- Ice skating
- Guided snowshoeing
- Bungy Trampoline
- Cinema
Spa & Wellness
The Balance Holistic Health Spa in the village is a wellness center that offers a variety of therapeutic and sports massages, yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture and day spa services such as facials and body treatments. This is the perfect way to relax and unwind afer a day on the slopes.
Our view on Northstar ski resort
Northstar is a world class ski resort with state of the art facilities on and off the mountain. Its a top end resort on a par with Beaver Creek in Colorado and is a firm family favourite whether staying at the mountain village or in nearby Kings Beach 10 minutes away on Lake Tahoe.
