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Snow-covered trees along East Ridge near the summit of Mount Pluto at Northstar California, with Lake Tahoe visible in the distance.
Explore / Northstar California

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

📍Truckee, California, USA

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Cruiser🎿 Park Rat🟢 Beginner FriendlyUnlimited on Epic☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Leijurv · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo details

⬇️
Vertical drop
2,280 ft
🗻
Skiable terrain
3,170 acres
❄️
Avg snowfall
350 in
🚡
Lifts
20

THE VIBE

Northstar is a good Tahoe base for groups who enjoy long tree-lined groomers and evenings in a pedestrian village. East Ridge, Logger’s Loop and Woods make a long linked descent. Stronger skiers can try the advanced runs on the Backside or explore the separate Lookout Mountain sector. The Ritz-Carlton is a mountainside destination above the village.

Best For

  • ✓Intermediate cruisers
  • ✓Families wanting polish
  • ✓Park riders

Skip If

  • ✗You want challenging expert terrain
  • ✗You prefer a rugged mountain feel
📸Follow Northstar California on Instagram

TERRAIN INTELLIGENCE

Loading times...

Daily hours & conditions ↗

Live Weather & Snow
🗺️
Loading snow map...

Regional snowpack via Ventusky

Approximate trail mix.

Difficulty Split

Beginner
13%
Intermediate
60%
Advanced
27%
Expert
0%
🎿Ideal for progressing skiers

Mountain specs

Summit elevation
8,610 ft
Base elevation
6,330 ft
Trail map · official source
🗺️Open the latest official map ↗Northstar California Trail Map
Terrain DNA · editorial
0100
Groomers85 / 100

Prepared runs and carving terrain. A higher score means groomed cruising is a more defining part of the mountain.

👨‍👩‍👧Family Guide❄️Powder Playbook🚐Budget Guide🐕Pet Travel⚖️Compare Resorts

Resort-reported snow

BASE TRACKER

❄

Loading base report…

Official snow report ↗

SEASON PLANNING

Typically late November to mid April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗
💌

INVITE FRIENDS

Rally your crew for a trip

MUST-SKI RUNS

■

Logger’s Loop

Part of the long route from East Ridge toward Woods. Check the day’s grooming and the signed village return.

☀

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Ride downhill mountain-bike trails or hike Northstar’s summer mountain trails.

Before you go: Summer activities follow seasonal opening dates.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →
Sources & planning context

Other names · Northstar, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Northstar Ski Resort

Our guide helps you choose a mountain and plan the kind of trip you want. Recommendations reflect our editorial judgment; source checks cover the specific details listed below.

Typically late November to mid April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗
Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗
Summer and winter destination
Yes
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter
Ride downhill mountain-bike trails or hike Northstar’s summer mountain trails.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summer visit planning
Summer activities follow seasonal opening dates.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Official website
https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres)
3170
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Lifts
20
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs
100
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Reported average snowfall (in)
350
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Base elevation (ft)
6330
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft)
8610
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Vertical drop (ft)
2280
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Northstar mountain information ↗The operator identifies the East Ridge–Logger’s Loop–Woods descent. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar trail map ↗The Backside, Lookout Mountain, mid-mountain facilities and the village are separate locations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

TART Highway 267 route ↗The fixed route connects Truckee, Northstar and the lakeshore. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar parking ↗Village View and Castle Peak parking have different visitor arrangements. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Lake Tahoe Hotels - Resorts in Lake Tahoe | The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe ↗Lake Tahoe Hotels - Resorts in Lake Tahoe | The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe · hotel · Northstar California · ski-in, ski-out access · Rooms and Suites · heated pool · spa · sauna · On-Site Restaurants · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Lake Tahoe, CA Vacation & Timeshare | Hyatt Vacation Club ↗Hyatt Vacation Club’s current page uses the name Northstar Lodge and says it has ski and boot valet plus ski-in/ski-out access via Highlands Express Gondola. It lists studios and two-, three-, and five-bedroom residences, equipped kitchens in residences, patios or balconies, washers and dryers, a pool, whirlpool spas, and an in-house movie theater. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Cedar Glen Lodge | #1 Rated Tahoe Lakeshore Cabin Resort ↗Cedar Glen Lodge · North Lake Tahoe · cottages and comfy lodge suites · Studios, one and two bedroom units · seasonal heated pool · hot tub · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar resort lodging directory ↗The resort offers Northstar Village Condos as a specific booking category, separate from Northstar Mountain Condos, Ski Trails Condominiums and private homes. It describes a shuttle ride from these condos to the slopes. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar lesson arrival and preparation ↗Adult groups meet on Gondola Way near the base of the Big Springs Express Gondola. A valid lift ticket or pass is required. Adult group package ski rentals are collected at Northstar Sports Village Rentals, while snowboard package pickup is at check-in. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

True North retail locations ↗The Village shop at 4001 Northstar Drive opposite the rink sells apparel and ski outerwear. The separate shop at the Ritz-Carlton offers ski demos. The Village number is (530) 562-3670. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Black Tie Skis of North Lake Tahoe ↗Black Tie delivers ski and snowboard rentals to Northstar lodging, fits equipment on arrival, and also offers storefront fittings near Truckee Tahoe Airport. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar rental reservations ↗The online rental booking form lets guests choose pickup location, dates and preferences. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Rubicon Pizza Company ↗Rubicon serves California-style pizza at 5001 Northstar Drive in the Village at Northstar. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Northstar California | Rink Bar ↗Rink Bar is beside the Village Skate Rink, accessible on foot and serving craft cocktails indoors and from a to-go window. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Drunken Monkey Sushi | Truckee ↗The Truckee restaurant at 11253 Brockway Road offers sushi, chirashi and vegetable rolls. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | Dining ↗Manzanita is the signature contemporary mountain restaurant at the slopeside Ritz-Carlton; the hotel also lists Living Room Lodge. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

  • Northstar California — official homepage ↗

    Homepage reference from an earlier review. The dated checks above identify the details supported by other sources.

  • Vail Resorts — 2026/27 opening dates (August 18, 2026) ↗

    Published planned season dates, subject to conditions.

  • Northstar California Trail Map ↗

    Ride downhill mountain-bike trails or hike Northstar’s summer mountain trails.

  • Northstar California — Mountain Information ↗

    The operator publishes 8,610 and 6,330 feet; their exact difference is 2,280 feet.

SEE YOU UP THERE.

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