Ranked
253rd
of 263 ski resorts
Overall Rating
3.72
From 29 Reviews
100
Total Runs
6330
Bottom Elevation
8610
Top Elevation
3170
Skiable Terrain
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Northstar California Resort in Lake Tahoe is a premier ski destination known for its upscale amenities and diverse terrain. The resort offers runs for all skill levels, with a focus on intermediate skiing and family-friendly experiences. Northstar's village features luxury lodging, dining, shopping, and an ice-skating rink. The resort's terrain parks are highly regarded, appealing to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Northstar's commitment to customer service and high-quality grooming is evident throughout the resort. The on-site Ritz-Carlton hotel adds a touch of luxury to the skiing experience. Northstar California is perfect for those seeking a high-end ski vacation with a variety of activities.
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Recent Reviews
advanced skier ⛷️ United States
Cari
Mar, 8 2026
Northstar is a very family friendly resort. It has a beautiful base village and ample parking. I was there when there was plenty of powder and the backside of the mountain provided great tree and powder runs. The piste here are pretty easy and there are not really any super steep runs. Looks like a great place for families. The backside was great ! There were several runs that had all to myself.
intermediate snowboarder 🏂 United Kingdom
Una
Feb, 4 2026
We had a wonderful experience at Northstar. I went down my first black run at this resort. Runs are nice and wide.
advanced skier ⛷️ United States
Lori
Dec, 19 2025
Still waiting for more snow this year. In season it is well groomed with good dining options on the slopes.
advanced skier ⛷️
Megan
Feb, 6 2025
This is a very family friendly mountain. Because of this, I would say that the runs are rated more difficult than they are (ie a "black" at northstar is more of a steep blue at other resorts). There also isn't much of an apres scene. The lift lines can be atrocious, but if you can get up to the more difficult sections of the mountain, you can avoid them. It is one of the most expensive lift tickets in Tahoe, and I think you can get more value for your money at Palisades or Kirkwood if you're going to pay for a day pass. If you have Epic, might as well check it out.
advanced skier ⛷️
Mary
Jan, 19 2025
Decently sized mountain (more snowboard friendly I would say) not too big but not terribly small. A bit of a walk to the gondolas from the parking lots, aside from that the ascent is pretty straightforward. Terrain parks dont have the craziest features but they definitely get the job done. Beautiful backcountry trails, awesome powder days. Does get decently busy on weekends, nice and slow on weekdays.
Northstar California Resort Stats
Ski Terrain
13Beginner Runs
60Intermediate Runs
27Advanced Runs
100Total Runs
1.4 milesLongest Run
3170 acresSkiable Terrain
1500 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
8610 feetTop
6330 feetBottom
2280 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
2Gondolas / Cable Cars
9Chairlifts
Lift Pass Costs
$949Season pass
$14637 days
$2191 day
Weather
357 inchesAverage annual snowfall
Northstar California Travel Information
Airports
50min drive40KMsReno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
130min drive110KMsSacramento International Airport (SMF)
220min drive190KMsSan Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Train Stations
15min drive12KMsTruckee Amtrak Station (Truckee, CA)