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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 / Travel & Lodging

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
Hotels & direct contacts ↓

GETTING THERE

Nearest Airports

✈️
RNO
Reno-Tahoe International
About 30–60 minutes
drive time
✈️
SMF
Sacramento International
About 1.5–2.5 hours
drive time

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for traffic and winter conditions.

Northstar is off Highway 267 between Truckee and Kings Beach. TART’s scheduled Highway 267 bus connects Truckee with the Northstar Village stop. TART Connect is a separate on-demand service with service zones. If driving, check the resort parking plan for your date and allow time for the shuttle from Castle Peak when that lot is in use.

WHERE TO STAY

Use these picks to compare location, atmosphere and the kind of stay you want. Ask for a total quote for your dates and room, including fees and cancellation terms.

luxury

Premium experiences with exceptional amenities

Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

hotel · Ski-in/ski-out access

Direct Northstar access and a substantial spa-and-pool setup make this a self-contained Lake Tahoe mountain stay.

Ski-in/ski-out accessTravelers comparing room sizesFamilies
🏊Pool💆Spa

Contact the hotel directly

Hotel enquiries+1 530-562-3000
Official hotel website & booking ↗

Contact source · checked 2026-10-21

Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, property type, mountain access, recommendation details, booking link, pool, spa.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-27

Contact sources cover contact details, independently of room amenities.

premium

High-quality stays with great features

Premium

Northstar Lodge

condo · Ski-in/ski-out via Highlands Express Gondola

Residence formats add equipped kitchens, patios or balconies, and washers and dryers; shared amenities include a swimming pool, whirlpool spas, fire pits, and an in-house movie theater.

Highlands Express Gondola accessFamilies choosing multi-bedroom residencesSelf-catering residence stays
🍳Kitchen♨️Hot Tub🏊Pool🎿Ski Storage
Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, property type, mountain access, recommendation details, booking link, kitchen, hot tub, pool, ski storage.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-27

Contact sources cover contact details, independently of room amenities.

View hotel / booking page
Premium$$$ · earlier budget guide

Northstar Village Condos

condo · Northstar Village Condos · check the building and shuttle stop

The collection is useful for a group comparing condos near village dining. Some arrivals and ski days involve a shuttle, so check the building before counting on walking with gear.

Condo staysGroups comparing units
Features to ask about

Earlier listings mention Check kitchen equipment in the booked unit, Ask about hot tub access, Check the unit’s pet policy, Confirm the winter stop and timetable, Check storage for the booked unit. Current availability at this property or in your room is not confirmed.

Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, mountain access, recommendation details, booking link.

Without current field-level confirmation: property type, price guide, Check kitchen equipment in the booked unit, Ask about hot tub access, Check the unit’s pet policy, Confirm the winter stop and timetable, Check storage for the booked unit.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-31

Contact sources cover contact details, independently of room amenities.

View hotel / booking page

moderate

Solid value with good amenities

Moderate

Cedar Glen Lodge

lodge · In North Lake Tahoe

Choose a cottage or lodge suite for a North Lake Tahoe stay; some units have kitchens and fireplaces. The hot tub, seasonal heated pool and beach access add ways to spend time beyond skiing.

North Lake Tahoe staysCottages and suitesPool and hot-tub trips
🍳Kitchen♨️Hot Tub🏊Pool

Contact the hotel directly

Hotel enquiries+1 530-546-4281Hotel enquiriesinfo@cedarglenlodge.com
Official hotel website & booking ↗

Contact source · checked 2026-10-21

Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, property type, mountain access, recommendation details, booking link, kitchen, pool, hot tub.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-27

Contact sources cover contact details, independently of room amenities.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Northstar California, compare a booked room or rental around Truckee with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

🐕 PET POLICY

Historical pet-policy guidance.

Pets are not allowed on the mountain, lifts, or gondola. The Northstar Village has some pet-friendly accommodation options including the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Dogs on leash are welcome in common areas of the village. Pet daycare services available through local providers in Truckee.

Confirm rooms, fees and access rules with the property or resort before you travel. A pet-friendly area does not mean pets can use ski slopes or lifts.

Read our pet travel guide →
Sources & planning context

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

Compare the setting and type of stay. Room choice, availability and the total booking price are specific to your dates.

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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