Northstar’s Best Winter Experiences

Fall is here and with it comes the excitement of the upcoming Tahoe ski season! While autumn is perfect for enjoying the vibrant foliage along the trails and taking advantage of the crisp, cool weather for mountain biking and hiking, it’s also time to start thinking about winter fun.

With snowy days on the horizon, here are some fun ways to experience Northstar California during winter. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, expertly groomed runs, a well-balanced mix of terrain, and its fantastic village at the base of the mountain, Northstar is the place to be once the snow flies. Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, there are plenty of fantastic alternative winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. Check out the list of our favorite ways to experience this fantastic Tahoe resort.

When you stay at The Cottages, you get to combine the comfort a private home with resort-style experiences! From hot tubs to relax in after a day on the slopes to fantastic restaurants and onsite gym access for those looking to sneak in a workout, this is the ultimate winter location. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, skip the crowded parking lots at Northstar and take our private shuttle bus instead. Once there, you get to take advantage of the Alpine Club with its ski valet service, restaurant, and family-friendly lounge. Additionally, if you are looking for a truly special experience, book a reservation at Schaffer’s Camp, Tahoe Mountain Club’s exclusive ski-in/ski-out mountaintop lodge. Featuring luxurious dining, crackling fireplaces, and breathtaking views.

After a day of skiing, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the view. Northstar offers one of the most unique and unforgettable après ski traditions. Every day at 2pm, the resort opens a ski-up car at the top of the mountain for a one-of a kind celebration: a complimentary champagne toast. At 2 pm, you’ll find skiers and snowboards making their way under a wooden arch for a complimentary glass of bubbles tucked away in the trees. Raise your glass of bubbly with your fellow skiers and snowboarders and cheers to a day of snowy fun!

For a luxurious slopeside lunch, look no further than the ski-in/ski-out Ritz-Carlton. Take a pause from skiing to indulge in some outdoor dining on the patio at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe’s Backyard Bar and BBQ. The dress code is casual and the menu is full of BBQ favorites like house-smoked brisket and venison sausage. Or, if you want to cozy up next to the fireplace, head inside to the Living Room for a warm drink and delicious food.

After you are done skiing for the day, head to the Village at Northstar. Spend a relaxing day exploring the charming shops in the pedestrian village, where you can shop for new ski or snowboarding gear and grab some Northstar logowear. Afterwards, grab the whole family for some après fun at the outdoor ice-skating rink. Soak up the mountain atmosphere next to a fire pit as the kids skate under the starry sky.