Millions of dollars have been spent upgrading Northstar to the point where it shines as a ski resort destination at Lake Tahoe. It is a huge complex sprawling over 3,170 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 2,280 feet and 20 lifts including 2 gondolas, a six pack, 7 quads, and 5 magic carpets. It can transport almost 35,000 skiers up to ski per hour.
The winter season extends from mid-November through mid-April with an annual snowfall of 350 inches. Although over 10% of the trails are for beginners, the majority are suited to intermediate skiers with almost 30% of the trails for advanced skiers. Backcountry skiing is available on 344 acres.
In addition to alpine skiing, Northstar has 7 terrain parks specifically designed to delight snowboarders. In fact, Shaun White, the red-headed Olympic snowboard star, has established a snowboard training boot camp with a 22 foot half pipe the public can try. So the emphasis on great snowboarding is another big draw to Northstar.
In addition to all of this, there is cross country skiing on over 40 miles of groomed trails, as well as telemark and snowshoeing with warming huts and firepits along the way. If you like to skate, there is a huge 9,000 square foot ice skating rink.
Beautiful scenery adds to the allure of Northstar. From the top of the lifts you get a full panorama of the surrounding hills covered in snow.
The architecture of the entire resort is superb, blending in beautifully with the surrounding countryside. All the buildings are a modern version of alpine with wood and stone exteriors and large windows to view the slopes. Northstar village feels like a small town and has condominiums, boutiques for shopping, entertainment, firepits, art galleries and restaurants. It is truly an all inclusive ski resort offering everything you could possibly want on a ski vacation, for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Shops include ski shops that can make you custom boots, Patagonia for outdoor clothing, Oakley, jean shops, Helly Hansen, craft and gift shops, and kids and toy shops.
There are also health spa for massages and wellness classes, movie theaters, many restaurants and cafes including Starbucks, après ski bars, and crafts classes in making candles and jewelery.
Up on the mountain dining options continue. The Lodge at Big Springs offers lunch, Chilly Peppers Cantina cooks up hearty Mexican food at the day lodge, Euro Snack makes Belgian waffles and hot dogs, Euro Crepes makes delicate crepes, there's more dining at the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, and on the summit there is a Euro Snack and the Summit Deck and Grill for breakfasts and lunch. The summit deck also has a grill and barbeque.
If all of this were not enough, Northstar is excellent at providing activities. Skating and S'mores. Tubing. Live music. Family Snoeshoe Tours. Moonlight Snowshoe Tours. Star Gazing Snowshoe Tours. Fitness facilities and spas. Lessons in almost everything. It is one of the best all inclusive ski resorts in America for the sheer amount of entertainment and skiing available all in one place---for all ages.
