Northstar California - Celebrating 50 Years of Memories on the Mountain
The combination of relaxation and exhilaration is what draws many of us to skiing and snowboarding. Northstar California, celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter, is the perfect place to find that sense of calm, where the majestic trees in the Martis Valley and proximity to Lake Tahoe make it feel like home away from home. Fireside s’mores and hot cocoa with family in the Village, awe-inspiring mountain views, an average of 350 inches of annual snowfall, and decades' worth of history and traditions – all these experiences on and off the mountain add up, and they leave you with endless unforgettable memories that will have you daydreaming about this mountain getaway for years to come.
Terrain For Everyone: Explore Northstar California’s diverse terrain and trails on Mt. Pluto, an extinct volcano that last erupted more than two million years ago. Now it is the perfect place for exploratory cruising with its moderate pitch, sweeping views of Lake Tahoe off the East Ridge trail, and wide-open runs that allow guests the chance to curate an on-mountain adventure that everyone will love. With more than 3,000 acres, families can progress together in family-designated learning zones, or – for more advanced guests – explore over 400 acres of advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain, or test your legs on Logger Loop – the longest run at Northstar California, extending 1.4 miles. The truly adventurous among the bunch can ride bumps and glades on mile-long runs on the Backside or even defy gravity in one of the largest progression terrain parks in the country.
Special Events
50th Anniversary: The 2022-2023 ski and ride season marks the 50th year anniversary of operations at Northstar California and five decades worth of traditions, both old and new, that multiple generations of skiers and riders have created. Get ready to celebrate fifty years of Northstar California and continue creating special memories at your home away from home that last a lifetime.
Epic Lift Upgrade: Northstar California’s newly upgraded Comstock Express lift will be open for skiers and riders this season. Having been replaced at mid-mountain from a four-person chair to a new high-speed six-person chair, the new Comstock lift is designed to reduce wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts and will increase uphill capacity by nearly 50%.
TŌST: Join in on the highly-anticipated return of one of Northstar California’s most unique traditions. Enjoy a glass of bubbly (or apple cider) with friends and family at Lake Tahoe’s only ski-up, mountain-view bubbly experience. Local tip: get in line by 1:30pm to partake in the 2:00pm tōst as glasses are first come, first served. Sparkling wine and light snacks are also available for purchase after the tōst, so kick back and enjoy the view for a while.
First Tracks: New this season, Pass Holders can gain early access on picture-perfect corduroy or waist deep powder as one of the first few on the mountain a a half-hour before the general public every Monday at
8:30am starting mid-December through the end of the season, conditions permitting.
Live Music: Après the right way in The Village at Northstar. Grab a drink from the Cabana Bar, cozy up around a fire pit, or break out the ice skates and enjoy live music from 2-5pm. in The Village on Saturdays all winter long.
Noel Nights: The holiday season in the Village at Northstar is pure mountain magic. The lights, the music, the picture-perfect ice-skating rink, the food and drink...all of it will make you wish the season could last forever. Occasionally there will even be visits from jolly Saint Nick!
Spring It On: Celebrate the end of ski season with a week full of activities that highlight the magic of spring in the Sierras. It won’t just be the final turns in beautiful weather that will put a smile on your face. Whether it is braving the waters in the Pond Skim, cheering on Rail Jam competitors in fun costumes from the sidelines, face painting for kids, or just enjoying the California sunshine on the slopes – there will be something for everybody.
Planned Opening: Friday, November 18 | Planned Closing: Sunday, April 16
*All planned opening and closing dates are conditions-dependent.