Northstar
The Basics
In addition to 100 trails, Northstar has several world-class terrain parks, and winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, telemark, cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. In the summer, take a scenic sightseeing lift or enjoy lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, roller-skating, stargazing, and more. Kid-friendly activities include bungee trampoline, gem panning, pottery, and candle making. A number of lodging options, both at the base village and midmountain, help make Northstar an ideal vacation destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
Northstar is suitable for families, adventure travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Single-day, multi-day, and season passes are available for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
The winter terrain is 13% beginner, 60% intermediate, and 27% advanced.
If you’re planning to drive in winter, come in a 4WD with snow tires or bring chains.
Keep the elevation in mind—the base is at 6,330 feet (1,929 meters) and the summit is at 8,610 feet (2,624 meters)—when planning physical activity.
How to Get There
Northstar is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Truckee and about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Incline Village. The closest airport is Reno, Nevada, about 43 miles (69 kilometers) away. The resort is about 195 miles (314 kilometers) from San Francisco.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The ski season generally runs from mid-November to mid-April, depending on snow conditions. Visitors may want to avoid holidays and weekends, especially 3-day weekends, to enjoy the resort with smaller crowds and avoid long lift lines.
Vail Resorts
Northstar is a part of Vail Resorts, which operates two other resorts in the Lake Tahoe area: Heavenly Ski Resort, which features 4,797 acres (1,941 hectares) of terrain and 97 trails, and Kirkwood, which features 2,300 acres (931 hectares) of terrain and 86 trails. Season-pass holders can take advantage of access to all three resorts while in the Lake Tahoe area.