Northstar is the resort that proves you don’t have to be extreme to be exceptional. Nestled just north of Lake Tahoe, this mountain blends smooth groomers, tree-filled trails, and a warm, welcoming village vibe that makes it a favorite among families and relaxed riders. It’s polished without being pretentious, luxurious but never loud. Between its cozy fire pits, world-class grooming, and perfectly tuned runs, Northstar delivers that elusive blend of comfort and adventure that keeps guests coming back year after year.

Quick Stats

• Location: Truckee, California (North Shore Lake Tahoe)
• Elevation: 6,330 ft base / 8,610 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 2,280 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 3,170 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~350 inches
• Number of Runs: 100+
• Lifts: 20
• Vibe Check: Polished, family-friendly, and effortlessly Tahoe

The Vibe

Northstar has a distinctly different rhythm than its Tahoe neighbors. Where Palisades is bold and wild, Northstar is calm and confident. The terrain is a groomer’s dream—rolling blues, wide-open glades, and perfectly shaped park features that flow like poetry. Off the hill, the village feels like a winter movie set, complete with skating rinks, artisan hot chocolate, and s’mores by the fire. The crowd here is equal parts ski families, weekend warriors from the Bay Area, and locals who love their home mountain for its soul, not its size. It’s Tahoe’s most refined, most relaxing experience.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Luggi’s – smooth, scenic trail ideal for first-timers
• Village Run – easy way to end the day, gliding back toward the village

🟦 Blues

• East Ridge – quintessential Northstar blue: wide, flowy, and always well-groomed
• Logger’s Loop – peaceful forest run that captures Tahoe’s serenity
• Main Street – fun cruiser that drops right into the heart of the village

♦ Blacks

• The Rapids – a steep favorite that skis fast and holds soft snow after storms
• Burnout – true to its name, a leg-burner with serious vertical
• Lookout Glade – playful tree terrain when you want a taste of the backcountry vibe

Après + Town Stays

Northstar’s base village is built for lingering—fire pits, live music, and plenty of great food. The après energy is elevated but approachable, the kind of place you can kick off your boots and feel at home.

• Rubicon Pizza Company – casual favorite with killer pies and local beer
• Tavern 6330' – modern mountain restaurant with cocktails and hearty entrees
• Petra Wine Bar – cozy spot for wine flights and small plates
• The Living Room at The Ritz-Carlton – slopeside elegance with panoramic views and craft cocktails
• Copper Lane Café – go-to for morning breakfast burritos and coffee before first chair
• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe – true luxury at mid-mountain with ski-in access
• Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe – stylish, eco-conscious hotel just 10 minutes from the slopes
• Travel Tips

Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)—it’s about a 45-minute drive to Northstar. Parking fills quickly on weekends, so consider booking a shuttle or staying in the village. The Mountaineer on-demand shuttle runs throughout the resort and Truckee area, making it easy to skip the car. If you’re coming from San Francisco or Sacramento, plan 3.5 to 4 hours depending on snow. Northstar shines in February and March when the storms stack deep, but the weather stays mild enough for family comfort.

Fun Facts

• Northstar was once a timber site before being transformed into a ski resort in 1972.
• The resort is known for some of the best grooming in Tahoe—locals call it “corduroy heaven.”
• Home to the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, the only five-diamond resort slopeside in the region.
• Northstar’s terrain park program is one of the most respected in the West.
• The village ice rink doubles as a concert venue in summer.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Northstar earns its place for doing something few resorts can pull off—it makes skiing feel effortless. Every detail, from its grooming to its village design, caters to comfort and connection. It’s where families make memories, intermediates perfect their turns, and pros sneak in mellow days to reset. It’s the Tahoe resort that understands what a ski day should feel like.