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    Northstar
    Home→Usa→California

    Northstar

    Ski ResortSnow ReportSnow CamsLift TicketsTrail MapLift SystemTrails

    Resort Overview

    Set in the Martis Valley at 6,330 feet, Northstar California combines 3,170 acres of varied terrain with sophisticated mountain atmosphere. The resort's design brings together impeccable grooming, extensive tree skiing, and a refined village experience. Since its 1972 founding, Northstar has evolved into a destination that balances challenging terrain with family-friendly amenities, creating a distinctive Lake Tahoe experience where outdoor adventure meets mountain luxury.

    Live Northstar Webcams

    Snow Stake

    2525m elevation

    5 webcams availableView all webcams →

    Trails & Terrain

    Trails

    Total Runs

    100

    Total Area

    3170 ac

    1282.9 ha

    Difficulty Distribution

    Beginner
    13%
    Intermediate
    60%
    Advanced
    20%
    Expert
    7%
    View Full Trail Map

    Northstar Lift System

    Twenty lifts, including a high-speed gondola and multiple express chairs, serve Northstar's 100 trails across 2,280 vertical feet. The lift network expertly connects distinct mountain zones, from the sheltered learning areas near mid-mountain to the advanced gladed terrain of Lookout Mountain. The Promised Land Express and Backside Express chairs access some of Tahoe's finest tree skiing, while the Big Springs Gondola provides a seamless connection from the village to the mountain's upper reaches.

    Lifts

    Total Lifts

    20

    Lift Types

    6

    Lift Breakdown

    Gondola
    2
    Gondola
    6-Person Chair
    1
    6-Person Chair
    Quad Chair
    8
    Quad Chair
    Triple Chair
    2
    Triple Chair
    T-Bar
    2
    T-Bar
    Surface Lift
    5
    Surface Lift
    View Complete Lift System

    Location & Getting There

    Positioned just six miles north of Lake Tahoe and a short drive from Truckee, Northstar offers swift access to both mountain adventure and Tahoe's numerous attractions. The resort sits 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and three hours from San Francisco. The surrounding Martis Valley provides a stunning mountain backdrop, while the European-inspired village creates a self-contained mountain community complete with dining, shopping, and year-round activities.

    Season Info

    Operating from mid-November through mid-April, Northstar receives an average of 350 inches of annual snowfall. The resort's extensive snowmaking system covers 60% of trails, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season. The mountain's protected aspects and tree-lined trails help preserve snow quality, while California's abundant sunshine creates perfect conditions for exploring the resort's vast terrain. Spring brings legendary corn snow and sun-soaked afternoons ideal for village après-ski.

    Current Season

    2025 - 2026

    Opening Day

    11/22/2025

    Closing Day

    4/5/2026

    Days Open

    135

    Annual Snowfall

    Metric

    8.89m

    889cm

    Imperial

    29.2ft

    350in

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