Located at Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort is a luxury destination that caters to families with premier lessons and elevated offerings. A family ski getaway should be filled with moments of wonder and excitement, not frustration and tantrums. This mountain resort caters to the needs of families by providing kids with a superior learning environment. After a day on the slopes, there’s a village full of après fun, including a cinema and an ice rink.
Northstar Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe
Located near California’s Lake Tahoe, Northstar Ski Resort boasts a secluded ski resort that caters to families.
What I loved about Northstar Ski Resort
- The sheltered location reduces wind issues.
- They love families, and kids are everywhere.
What I wanted from Northstar Ski Resort
- More Green Runs. Only 11% and they are crowded.
- Better labeling in the Village.
- Better traffic management. Some of the worse traffic in Lake Tahoe if you don’t stay at the resort.
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Northstar California Resort by the Numbers
The Mountain Statistics
| Base Elevation: 6,330ft. | Summit Elevation: 8,610ft. |
| Vertical Drop: 2,280 ft. | Skiable Acres: 3,170 |
| Type of Terrain | Percentage of Runs |
| Green | 11% |
| Blue | 56% |
| Black | 33% |
| Total Named Runs: | 100 |
| Lifts: | 20 total:
2 gondolas,1 high-speed 6-pack, 7 high-speed quads, 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 triples, 2 surface lifts and 5 Magic Carpet lifts |
Our Day Skiing and Riding at Northstar
My kids, 9, 12 and 14 years old, have skied and snowboarded for several years, each year taking lessons and starting on the green runs. Though we’re making progress and moving up to the easiest blue trails.
My youngest and I rode the Big Easy lift, the easiest lift for younger kids. This area offered banked turns and a spine that my 9-year-old son loved. This is the place to start your first day on the snow.
My kids moved up from the Big Easy lift to the Arrow Express lift. This lift offers a longer green run for kids and families. It’s also a designated slow zone, and Northstar positions ski patrol along this route to control speed during peak periods, like holidays.
After a few runs down the Lumberjack trail and Lower Main Street, my kids tried the Vista Express Lift to tackle Skid Trail. Another green run that connects with Lumberjack and Lower Main Street for an even longer green run.
At the end of the day, my kids took the Village Run back to Northstar’s Village. Since everyone makes their way back down the mountain this way, I don’t suggest this for beginners due to congestion.
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Northstar Terrain Parks
I’ve got two boys, 9 and 12 years old, so I’ve learned about terrain parks over the last few years. They’re not as crazy as I originally thought.
When my daredevil son told me he wanted to check out a terrain park, I envisioned something I’d seen on the Olympics. Don’t worry; think of terrain parks like snow playgrounds. Most resorts offer several parks with different terrain features.
At Northstar, my boys stayed on the Northstar Terrain Parks, off Skid Trail, after riding the Vista Express Lift. This terrain area boasts features made of snow, like small jumps. In total, there are six different areas.
As a mom, be sure and check out the terrain park signs to see if your kids are in the right playground. Most resorts install several terrain parks with differing levels of difficulty. Take it easy, start small and keep an eye out for the more advanced teens.
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Northstar Ski School
After seven years of kids in ski school, I can spot an excellent program. As a Mom, I notice the details. I want the best possible program with the best possible instructors. And keeping it fun for the kids.
That’s what it’s all about. Getting kids on the snow and loving it. Northstar gets that. They aim to groom lifelong skiers and riders with a super fun day on the slopes. S’mores included.
My Must Haves for Ski School
- Trained staff that actually like kids and know how to talk and play with kids. Corny jokes and riddles are a plus.
- A separate facility with an indoor transition area that allows for kids to rest or warm up.
- A separate outdoor area that’s fenced off from the rest of the resort yet visible for parents wanting to check in.
- Separate magic carpet lifts or surface lifts for ski school only.
- Staff that fits kids with skis.
- Helmets for kids regardless of local laws.
An Outstanding Program will have
- A program that keeps the littlest kids off the elevated lifts before 6 years old.
- A chef-inspired lunches that accommodate kids’ special diets, like gluten-free or vegan.
- Engineered runs that make turning easier.
- Covered lifts
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Northstar makes it look easy, but it takes skill and talent behind the scenes. From the instructors to the groomers and even the chefs who prepare lunch, the ski school team works together for the best possible experience for your kids.
The instructors connect with kids of a certain age naturally. Northstar pairs instructors with kids that age, making the instructor-student relationship stronger. I remember that feeling when I was a preschool teacher.
The groomers work overnight to create an environment that helps kids learn faster. By banking the turns and adding fun features like rollers, Northstar’s beginner runs give kids confidence and a high-five moment of fun.
Even the chefs at Northstar elevate lunch for the kids with freshly cooked options like chicken or fish. Along with healthier lunches, Northstar also serves daily soup and vegetarian and gluten-free items.
At the end of the day, I want to see kids beaming with a smile and announce I love skiing.
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Snowboarding for Preschoolers
Northstar offers one of the few programs in the U.S. with snowboarding as an option for potty-trained 3-year-olds. It gets the littlest kids on a board and loving it in a riglet park.
Instructors pull kids through tiny terrain features. Kids get the feeling of snowboarding sooner and progress faster.
Back when my 12-year-old son started on the snowboard, he had to wait until he was 7 to take a group lesson. A lot has changed for the youngest kids in the last few years, with Northstar is leading the pack with the littlest riders.
Northstar’s Signature Programs
Private family lessons are available and can accommodate up to five people for the same price.
Achieve Tahoe offers private lessons for kids with physical, sensory or intellectual challenges with adaptive ski and snowboard equipment and trained instructors.
Where to Eat at Northstar California Resort
During my visit to Northstar, we ate at The Lodge at Big Springs located at mid-mountain, right off the Big Springs Express Gondola. With a pizza station, burgers, soups, salads and baked potatoes, I found something for everyone in my family. Kids meals are available.
For skiers farther up the mountain, The Zephyr Lodge is located close to the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift. At Northstar’s summit, The Summit Smokehouse offers views of Lake Tahoe.
The Village at Northstar offers families lots of options, like pizza, sushi, tacos and food trailers. Paired with activities for the family, après-ski continues after sunset.
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Apres in The Village at Northstar
The family fun starts at Northstar’s ice skating rink, which features a stage with live music. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and rentals are available. Live music and movies can be found in the Village on select nights.
When the Zamboni takes a spin, kids gather around the fire pits for s’mores while adults enjoy a coffee or a cocktail from the Cabana Bar or the Rink Bar. The Frites Bar is your destination for yummy fries.
If you need some gear, Burton, Patagonia and North Face are all in the Village. The Village also features a movie theater with two screens.
For families with little kids (ages 2 to 6) who don’t ski, Little Gems of the Sierra offers licensed daycare services at Northstar. Kids will enjoy arts and crafts and outdoor play in the snow while mom and dad enjoy a day on the slopes.
Winter Fun off the Slopes
At the Cross-Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center, I found rental equipment for cross-country skiing, Telemark skiing and snowshoeing.
Kids love tubing, and Northstar offers tubing just off the Big Springs Express Gondola. First-come, first-serve for one hour of tubing fun and a separate lift ticket is not required. Kids have to use their own tube and be 42” tall.
Where to Stay at Northstar Ski Resort
Located mid-mountain, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers an AAA five-diamond resort that caters to families. During my visit, I toured the contemporary mountain retreat that reminded me of national park lodge.
The central fireplace anchors the gathering space, outfitted with small groupings of sofas that allow for intimate conversations. Families enjoy live music and sip on cider while playing board games with the kids.
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe offers a mountain concierge that stores ski equipment slopeside. A luxury feature for families skiing with several kids. Hauling gear is never fun, especially with small kids.
My kids love to stay active, even on a getaway. The Ritz-Carlton offers seasonal activities geared towards families.
How to Get to Northstar Ski Resort
Northstar Ski Resort is located at 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California. It’s 7 miles south of Truckee, along California Highway 267. Tahoe City, California, a quaint mountain town on the western shores of Lake Tahoe, is 17 miles away.
If flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to visit Lake Tahoe, Northstar is 41 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport via Interstate 80.
Northstar California Ski Resort hosted my family for one day. Though I have enjoyed Northstar on several occasions before that visit. This article contains affiliate links.
Know Before You Go:
- Reservations are required during holiday breaks and long weekends. Ski School sells out.
- Kids under 12 are required to wear a helmet during ski school.
- Arrive early to ski school to allow for a smooth transition.
- Pack lip balm, goggles, and an extra set of gloves for kids in ski school.
- Pack a bag of marshmallows and a couple of roasting sticks, I found several fire pits, perfect for an après-ski treat.
- Before heading out check out road conditions at NVroads.com for tire chain requirements. I use Nevada’s website for the Lake Tahoe region since it’s easier to use on a mobile device than California’s website.
