Northstar California Ski Resort Guide: An Overview for Beginners & Intermediates

Gabriella Viola
Apr 16
3 min read

Updated: Apr 27

Planning a ski trip to Lake Tahoe? This Northstar California review covers everything you need to know—from beginner-friendly runs and terrain parks to parking tips and dining in the Village.

Located between Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California is one of the most beginner- and family-friendly ski resorts in the area, and it's also part of the Epic Pass. As someone who just got back into skiing for the first time since I was a kid, I’ve found Northstar to be the perfect place to ease back into it.

With wide, well-groomed beginner trails, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back vibe, Northstar makes skiing approachable and fun, whether you’re brand new or ready to level up to blues.

Check out the video version here:

Overview of the Mountain

Northstar has a lot to offer skiers and snowboarders of all levels:

Over 3,000 skiable acres
100+ trails
One of the top terrain parks in North America

You’ll find plenty of space to explore and practice, and the layout of the mountain makes it easy to progress at your own pace.

Parking Tips

Northstar now uses a reservation-based system for its parking areas. On weekends and holidays, reservations are required for the Village View and Preferred lots. Midweek parking at Village View is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For free parking every day, you can use the Castle Peak lot—no reservation needed. A complimentary shuttle runs between Castle Peak and the Village.

Learn more or make a parking reservation here.

Getting Started: Base Area & Beginner Terrain

Once you’ve parked and geared up, hop on the Big Springs Express Gondola to reach the mid-mountain base. From there, you’ll have easy access to Northstar’s best beginner zones.

As a beginner myself, I like to start with a few warm-up runs on The Big Easy—it’s super mellow. After that, I’ll head up the Arrow Express or Vista Express lifts for more green runs with a bit more variety.

For Intermediate Skiers

If you’re feeling confident on greens, level up by taking the Zephyr Express to access nicely groomed blue runs. These trails are perfect for building confidence, and many offer incredible views.

Further up the mountain, the Comstock Express takes you to the summit, where the terrain gets steeper and more challenging—along with sweeping vistas of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks. On the backside, you’ll find most of Northstar’s black diamond terrain.

Northstar’s Terrain Park & Halfpipe

Northstar is known for its world-class terrain park, with zones for every level—from beginner rollers to expert jumps and rails. Even if you’re not hitting features yourself, it’s a blast to ride the Vista Express lift and watch others go for it.

Right next to the lift is the halfpipe, which you’ll spot as soon as you step off the Big Springs Gondola. It’s worth stopping to watch skiers and snowboarders catch some air—it’s seriously impressive.

Après Ski at the Village

After a full day on the slopes, head back down to the Northstar Village to unwind. You’ll find:

Restaurants and quick eats
An ice-skating rink (in winter)
Cozy fire pits
A few shops and bars for après vibes

It’s a great place to relax, grab a bite, or just soak in the mountain atmosphere. Learn more about the Village at Northstar here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a beginner, a family looking for a reliable Tahoe resort, or an intermediate rider who enjoys groomed trails, Northstar California is a solid choice. The terrain is approachable, the views are beautiful, and the overall vibe is friendly and relaxed.

I hope you found this Northstar California ski resort guide helpful!

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