Northstar California

Northstar California Overview

Northstar California Resort is a popular family-friendly ski destination situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, California. The resort is known for its upscale amenities, including a vibrant village center with luxury accommodations, shopping, dining, and a world-class ice-skating rink.

• Beginner runs: 13%
• Intermediate runs: 60%
• Advanced runs: 27%
• Expert runs: 0%
• Total ski runs: 100
• Terrain Parks: 10

• Summit elevation: 8.610 feet
• Skiable area: 3,170 acres
• Average Snowfall: 350 inches/year

Northstar California Trail Map

Enlarged Trail Map 

Northstar California Lift Tickets

Northstar California Resort has many lift ticket options available. Below is a breakdown of the lift passes and the key differences between the passes to find the one most suitable for your needs.

The day lift ticket can be purchased at the ticket office and online. If purchased online, you will need to pick up the lift ticket at Northstar California ticket offices. This is almost always the most expensive option as you are purchasing at the last minute. 

• Mountain Access: This ticket will give you lift access to Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood.
• Cost: Price varies from day to day. Ranges from $127 - $199 for a 1-day adult ticket (prices subject to change). 
• Days Valid at Northstar: Valid for the set days you’ve purchased the ticket. 
• Available for Purchase: After early December when EPIC passes go off sale.
• Ideal for: Unplanned ski vacation or a last-minute day trip to Northstar California.

The Epic day passes range from 1 to 7 days with the option of restricted and unrestricted. Restricted passes cannot be used on blackout dates, while unrestricted passes can.

• Mountain Access: This pass gives you access to 32 resorts owned by Vail Resorts, including Northstar, plus partnered resorts (only for 4-day passes and above).
• Cost: The cost of the pass depends on whether it is restricted or unrestricted, with restricted passes being cheaper. The cost also depends on when you purchase the pass. Prices increase around September and November. Ranges from around $80 - $100 per day. 
• Days Valid at Northstar: The number of ski days on the passes are valid throughout the entire season, except on blackout dates if a restricted pass is purchased.
• Available for Purchase: Usually available for purchase around April until late November to early December.
• Ideal for: When you are certain that you will be going skiing before the ski season.

The Epic Local Pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to 29 resorts, plus restricted access to 8 other resorts with some access limitations. 

• Days Valid at Northstar: This pass gives you unlimited access to Northstar California throughout the ski season except on blackout dates.
• Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.

Ideal for: If you are planning to ski more than 7 days at Northstar, or a lot at other Vail-owned ski resorts with flexible ski dates depending on the resort access restrictions.

This is the flagship Epic product. It has the same access as the Epic Day passes but is valid for the entire ski season with unlimited days of skiing. It is the most flexible and cheapest option if you are planning to ski for more than 7 days.

• Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.
• Additional Benefits: You can purchase discounted day lift tickets.
• Ideal for: If you are planning to ski a lot at Northstar California (or other Vail-owned ski resorts).

The Tahoe Value Pass gives you 6 days of access per week to Northstar and Kirkwood, except on blackout dates and Saturdays, plus unlimited and restricted access to Heavenly.

• Available for purchase: It is available pre-ski season, usually until late November or early December
• Additional Benefits: You can give discounted day lift tickets to friends and also get half-price tickets during blackout dates.
• Ideal for: If you are planning to ski for more than 6 days at Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood.

The Tahoe Local Pass gives you unlimited and restricted access to Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, plus 5 total days at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, and Park City except on blackout dates.

• Available for purchase: It is available pre-ski season, usually until late November or early December
• Additional Benefits: You can give discounted day lift tickets to friends and also get half-price tickets during blackout dates.
• Ideal for: If you are planning to ski more than 7 days at Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood.

Nearest Town to Northstar California

Northstar California is only a 6 mile drive from Truckee, California. Truckee is a charming town known for its rich history, rustic architecture, and vibrant community. Some skiers opt to stay here as it offers accommodations from luxury resorts to cozy cabins, though for the most convenience skiers stay at Northstar’s ski-in-ski-out lodgings at the resort. The town is also known for its food, with many local restaurants serving everything from gourmet cuisine to comfort food. 

Other notable ski resorts near Truckee include Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows) and Sugar Bowl Resort within a 30 miles drive, making the town attractive for skiers who want to ski at multiple resorts.

On Mountain Dining

Northstar California has several highly-rated on-mountain dining spots.

Located at the top of the Zephyr Express chairlift, the lodge offers a variety of food including artisan pizzas, homemade soups, and gourmet grill items. 

Opening hours (subject to change):10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Located at the summit of Mt. Pluto, the menu includes smoked meats, classic sides, and local craft beers. The outdoor seating area offers panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.

Opening hours (subject to change): 9 am-3 pm (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Located mid-mountain next to Big Springs Gondola Lift, this lodge serves burgers, drinks, chicken, salads and more.

Opening hours (subject to change): 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Northstar California Contact Information

Address: 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, United States

Phone number: (800) 466-6784

Google Maps | Official Website