Northstar California

Anyone who has traveled to the famous Lake Tahoe region has likely seen the mountains north of the lake where the Northstar California ski area sits. The one-time lumber site has served the needs of skiers since 1972.

Anyone familiar with the north shores of Lake Tahoe knows that Interstate 80 is the major highway that brings vehicles into the region. Between Truckee and Kings Beach, California Highways 267 delivers drivers to the resort's front steps. Flying in is easy at Truckee Airport, located four miles away, and the Reno/Tahoe International Airport is only a 40-minute ride.

Winter Fun from Village to Summit

Anyone visiting the Northstar California ski area will be greeted by Northstar Village, with its layout based around a town square. It provides guests access to several eateries, drinking establishments, and an ice rink. Several shops give visitors a chance to enjoy a bit of shopping when they are not busy skiing down the mountain.

Several facilities across the mountain offer amenities, including Zephyr Lodge, the Lodge at Big Springs, and the Ritz-Carlton-Lake Tahoe. Skiers and snowboarders can get repairs or rent equipment, and lessons are available in groups or private lessons.

Northstar California rests on Mt. Pluto, which is an extinct volcano. While the slopes no longer exude hot magma, plankers will find plenty of sizzling skiing and snowboarding. EMMA, the world's first digital mountain assistant, debuted during the 2018/19 season, assisting guests around the ski area.

With access to 3,170 skiable acres, rippers and shredders will need to use the lift system to get places. From the middle of November through the middle of April, guests at Northstar California can use one of the 20 lifts at the park. That includes a couple of gondolas, two surface/tow lifts, and five magic carpets.

Challenging Trails for All

Elevation at Northstar Village rests at 6,330 feet, and the summit elevation of Northstar California reaches 8,610 feet. That gives plankers a vertical drop of 2,280 feet, with potential for plenty of speed downhill.

The average annual snowfall at Northstar California is 350 inches, so guests have plenty of opportunities to play in a dump or cut fresh tracks after the storm is over. Snow-making coverage is around 50-percent, which represents the largest snow-making system in the Lake Tahoe region.

There are 100 trails across the Northstar California ski area. While only 13-percent cater to the beginner, nearly 60-percent rate for intermediates. The remaining 27-percent is rated for advanced skiers and sits at the top of the resort.

That includes 347 acres of gate-accessed terrain in Sawtooth Ridge and White Rabbit. Logger's Loop is the longest run at 14 miles, offering an endurance challenge along with the view.

The Northstar California ski resort offers areas for snow tubing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. There is the 2 Six Jump Park that provides entertainment for those looking to land a trick or two, and expert skiers can challenge themselves with the Pinwheels Drop Zone.