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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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