Winter Family Fun at Northstar Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe

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Advisor - Gena Carlstrom
Curated By

Gena Carlstrom

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Lake Tahoe

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A view of a ski gondola with the very blue Lake Tahoe faded in the distance.
Curator’s statement

Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas near Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort is a winter wonderland for families. With slopes for all skill levels, parents and children can enjoy gentle slopes together or carve their way through powdery trails. The resort's family-friendly amenities, such as children's lessons and an ice skating rink, ensure that everyone can make the most of their time there. After a day of winter fun, unwind in the village by the fire pits and enjoy drinks and snacks together. 

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Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Enjoy abounding activities year-round with ski-in ski-out access to Northstar California and a 15 minute drive to Lake Tahoe from this stunning property.

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    $100 hotel / resort credit.

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Things to do in Lake Tahoe

A beautiful ski hill surrounded by lush, green pine trees and various people in colorful ski gear on the snowy hill. There is also a snowy covered mountain in the far distance.

Mountain Activities

-Skiing or snowboarding. Group and private lessons are available.

-Tubing mid-mountain at the NorthStar Tubing Center.

-Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat-tire biking on the snowy trails at the NorthStar Cross Country Center.

Village Activities

-Ice skate at the rink.

-Enjoy live music après ski, roast smores and drink hot chocolate while warming up by the fire pits.

-Visit shops.

-Watch a movie at The Village Cinemas, which usually features two shows a night.

-Take a free gondola ride to the Ritz-Carlton.

-Make a candle, paint pottery or create a stuffed teddy bear at The Villager Candle Shop.

-Get a massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Day Trips

For a day trip venturing off of the mountain, visit the nearby towns of Truckee or Tahoe City. Each has many restaurants and shops within walking distance to one another. Tahoe City is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe so you can walk around and enjoy the beautiful lake views with the mountains in the distance. Truckee has a quaint, historic mining town feel with trendy restaurants.

Places to eat & drink in Lake Tahoe

An interior view of a hotel lounge with a beautiful stone fireplace, wood paneled ceiling, luxurious furniture and lots of accent lighting.

NorthStar Village

-Rubicon Pizza: Popular with families for its handcrafted pizza and pasta. It can get very busy from 5:00 pm onward. Pro tip: Try the gluten-free pizza crust. They partner with a special bakery and it’s delicious - a perfect combo of chewy and crispy.

-The Waffle Shop: Belgian-style waffles topped with a variety of sweet and savory toppings.

-Copper Lane Cafe & Provisions: Well-stocked, compact store that's great for coffee, hot breakfast and lunch and provisions. They make great sandwiches. Pro tip: There's often a line, so order ahead online to pick up.

-Petra Wine Bar: Fun and cozy for wine and tapas.

-Bourbon Pub: Chef Michael Mina’s gourmet comfort food and a robust list of drinks in a sophisticated and relaxed dining experience.

-Rink Bar or Tost: Après ski drinks by the rink.

-Zephyr Lodge: Alpine lodge at the top of the mountain with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating to enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada range.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Note: Visitors can take the free gondola to the Ritz mid-mountain.

-The Living Room: An elegant and casual space where guests can relax by the fireplace and enjoy a good meal and drinks.

-Café Blue: Serves up coffee, pastries and light snacks. Good for a quick bite.

-Backyard BBQ: Casual outdoor dining featuring barbecue classics, perfect for enjoying the mountain air.

-Manzanita: An upscale dining experience showcasing inventive cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Sierra Nevada region, served in an elegant setting.

Need to know

Northstar is part of the Epic Ski Pass resort network. The Ritz-Carlton is the only hotel but there are apartment rentals at the resort as well. Please contact me to discuss additional lodging options.

Advisor - Gena Carlstrom

Travel Advisor

Gena Carlstrom

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Danielle Kwok's guide, A Lake Tahoe Getaway in Truckee, CA.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Tahoe.