Northstar Lake Tahoe
Northstar Lake Tahoe
About Northstar Lake Tahoe
Ski Northstar California for family-friendly terrain, luxe stays, vibrant après, and stunning Lake Tahoe views—all just a short drive from Reno.
Northstar California Resort is one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular winter destinations, known for its perfectly groomed trails, laid-back luxury, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located just outside Truckee in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Northstar offers over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, with a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. Long favourites like Logger’s Loop wind through peaceful pine forests, while The Backside is where you’ll find steeper lines and some of the best powder stashes after a storm.
Off the slopes, Northstar delivers a premium alpine experience with upscale accommodation, stylish shops, and lively après-ski spots. Stay slopeside at The Ritz-Carlton for ski-in/ski-out access and fine dining, or base yourself in the vibrant village at Northstar Lodge by Hyatt Vacation Club or one of the many spacious condos.
Après-ski is a highlight—stop at Tōst, Northstar’s mountain-view champagne bar, for a mid-afternoon toast. Down in the village, Bourbon Pub serves up next-level comfort food and craft cocktails, while The Overlook is perfect for families with fire pits, hot chocolates, and starry skies.
Getting there from Australia is easy, with flights into Reno-Tahoe via Los Angeles or San Francisco, followed by a scenic one-hour drive. Whether you're chasing fresh turns or relaxed mountain vibes, Northstar is a must for your next ski holiday.
About Northstar
If you’re heading to Tahoe in winter, Northstar is a top pick—it's tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains, just a short drive from the north shore of Lake Tahoe. The base sits at around 1,930 metres and the top of the mountain reaches about 2,625 metres, giving you a solid vertical drop of nearly 700 metres. It’s got a bit of everything: perfectly groomed runs, a cruisy vibe, and heaps of family-friendly terrain. The whole place has that polished, resort feel without being over the top—ideal if you’re chasing a mix of good skiing and chill mountain atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Northstar
There are a great mix of places to stay at Northstar, whether you’re after something five-star or something that feels a bit more like home.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is the go-to for luxury—it’s right on the mountain with ski-in, ski-out access, has a huge day spa, and some seriously good dining. Perfect if you’re after a bit of pampering between ski sessions.
Northstar Lodge by Hyatt Vacation Club is right in the heart of the village. It’s got sleek, modern studios and suites, plus perks like a private cinema and ski valet—super handy if you like things easy and stress-free.
Northstar Village Condos are a solid choice for families or mates travelling together. They’re close to all the village action, and the shuttle makes getting to the lifts a breeze. Cosy, convenient, and great for groups.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Northstar boasts over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and there’s genuinely something for everyone, no matter your level.
For beginners and intermediates, Northstar is a dream. About three-quarters of the runs fall into these categories, and they’re mostly wide, cruisy groomers. Logger’s Loop is a crowd favourite—it's a long, gentle run that winds through the trees and is perfect for building confidence while soaking in the alpine views.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will find some great steeper sections and glades, especially over on The Backside. This area tends to hold powder a little longer after a storm and offers some of the best views across the Sierra Nevadas. If you’re chasing fresh turns, get there early!
Into freestyle? Northstar’s terrain parks are legit—regularly ranked among the best in North America. Whether you're just getting started with small jumps and boxes or want to push your skills in the larger park features, they’ve got a great progression setup.
And don’t forget to take a moment at the top of Comstock Express—on a clear day, the views across Lake Tahoe are absolutely stunning. Definitely a spot to stop, snap a pic, and take it all in before your next run.
Getting to Northstar
Getting to Northstar from Australia is pretty straightforward, fly into either Los Angeles or San Francisco from most major Aussie cities. From there, jump on a quick domestic flight to Reno-Tahoe International Airport—that’s the closest airport to the ski resort.
Once you land in Reno, it’s about a 50-minute drive to Northstar. You can either hire a car (which gives you a bit more freedom to get around) or book a shuttle if you’d rather sit back and relax after the flight. The drive up through the Sierra Nevadas is actually really scenic, so it’s not a bad way to start your snow holiday.
Getting Around Northstar
Navigating Northstar is convenient, the resort operates a complimentary shuttle service within the property, accessible via the Northstar Village Transit App, ensuring quick transportation to and from the village and slopes.
If you have a car, free parking is available at the Castle Peak lot, with continuous shuttle service to the village. Paid parking options are also offered closer to the village for added convenience.
Top Things to Do in Winter
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Northstar offers a variety of winter activities:
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: Explore 35 kilometers of scenic trails suitable for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking.
Ice Skating: Enjoy the picturesque ice skating rink located in the heart of the Village at Northstar, complete with outdoor music and nearby fire pits.
Snow Tubing: Fun for all ages, the tubing hill offers a thrilling experience without the need for specialized equipment.
Dining & Après in Northstar
After a big day on the mountain, Northstar’s après and dining scene is where things really kick off—and there’s something for every vibe, whether you’re winding down with the family or kicking on with a cocktail.
One of the coolest spots on the hill is Tōst—it’s a ski-up bubbly bar right on the mountain (yes, seriously). You can slide in, grab a glass of prosecco, and toast with your mates while soaking up panoramic views. It’s a bit of a Northstar tradition and definitely a must-do, especially on a bluebird day.
Down in the village, Bourbon Pub is the place to head if you’re after hearty comfort food and a great drinks list. Created by celeb chef Michael Mina, it’s got a casual but classy feel. Grab the truffle fries or the pub burger—they’re both next-level. For drinks, their take on the Old Fashioned is spot on, or try the bourbon-based “Lake Effect” cocktail if you want something a bit different.
For a more laid-back, family-friendly scene, The Overlook is ideal. It sits just above the ice skating rink and has a relaxed setup with fire pits, comfy chairs, and mountain views. The kids can toast marshmallows and sip hot chocolates while the adults enjoy a local craft beer or mulled wine under the stars. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up the day.
