Northstar California Resort

Amid the beautiful landscapes along Lake Tahoe is a mountain resort with family-friendly snow sports, hiking trails, golf and boutique shopping.

Northstar California Resort is a laid-back mountain resort combining the excitement of on-mountain activities with high-end shopping and après-ski entertainment. Located on Mount Pluto and Lookout Mountain in Tahoe National Forest, the resort draws both winter and summer sports enthusiasts. Go skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, biking, fishing and hiking.

During the winter, skiers and snowboarders of all abilities enjoy the resort’s 3,170 acres (1,283 hectares) of skiable terrain. Ride the 20 lifts to elevations of up to 8,610 feet (2,624 meters). Discover 97 trails and seven terrain parks, complete with boxes, jumps and rails. Capable instructors are available to give individual and group lessons for everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned experts.

Rent gear to try other snow sports, including cross-country skiing, telemarking and glade skiing. Have fun with the family on the tubing hill. Join guided moonlight and star-gazing snowshoe treks, which meander through a quiet pine forest and across alpine meadows.

In summer, explore the mountain’s plants and wildlife along the multiple trails of the Northstar Bike and Hike Park. Gaze up at tall red fir and white pine trees and admire views of Lake Tahoe. Fish for rainbow trout at Sawmill Lake and pan for gemstones at a mountaintop lookout. Test your golf skills on the pristine fairways and greens of the challenging 18-hole course.

In the resort’s lively village, find abundant dining, lodging and shopping options centered on a year-round skating rink. Browse independent stores and well-known retailers for custom-made clothing and sporting apparel. Enjoy family-oriented activities, from a bungee trampoline to candle making and miniature golf.

Have a meal or drink at the range of restaurants located in the village and on the mountain. Choose from a chocolate bar, pizzeria, Japanese and Mexican cuisine and restaurants in a luxury hotel.

Northstar California Resort is just a few hours’ drive from San Francisco. Shuttle buses connect the resort with Reno, Sacramento, San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe. The ski season at Northstar California Resort runs from November to April. Visit the resort’s official website for information on activity prices, lift passes, operating hours and vacation packages.