Northstar California Earns a Family Ski Vacation Gold Star

Northstar California consistently rates as one of our top family ski vacations in the USA for kids of all ages. This isn’t surprising, given that Northstar has made a significant investment in quality lodging, dining and on-mountain experiences over the years with their parent company Vail Resorts. Thanks to this quality control on and off the slopes, Northstar continues to stand out from the crowd in Lake Tahoe and beyond.

Although I grew up visiting Northstar, I have loved visiting with my son and watching him take to the snow at one of the best ski resorts in the United States that is also on the Epic Pass, Epic Day Pass, Tahoe Local Pass and Tahoe Value Pass.

Northstar California Review for Families

Northstar California is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy a memorable ski vacation. Here’s a rundown of what to expect: 

The Village

Northstar’s village is cozy and packed with a variety of restaurants and shops. At its heart, there’s an ice-skating rink surrounded by a lounge area, creating a lively social spot (especially at night). The village is compact, making it easy to get around, which we found perfect for families with younger kids and those with teens who wanted a little more independence. It’s also conveniently located right at the base of the kids’ ski school area.  

The Village is both kid and pet-friendly, offering plenty to do for family members who aren’t hitting the slopes. The après-ski scene is a blast, featuring live music, hot cocoa and s’mores to cap off your day, and, of course, local brews and craft cocktails for adults to enjoy throughout their stay. 

Ski Experience

Northstar offers 3,170 acres of terrain suitable for all skill levels: 27 percent advanced, 60 percent intermediate and 13 percent beginner. The longest run stretches three miles (East Ridge > Logger’s Loop > Woods), with Logger’s Loop being the longest single stretch at 1.4 miles, plus there are 100 conventional trails and 347 acres of gate-accessed terrain.  

There’s a dedicated beginner area with five magic carpet surface lifts, and 10 terrain parks and pipes that are great for families. While it can get busy on peak weekends, the numerous quad and high-speed lifts help keep things moving.  

The ski and snowboard school programs cater to ages 3 and up, including Ultimate 4 lessons (which means your group class will never have more than four participants), as well as private lessons for those looking for one-on-one instruction. There’s also a Burton Academy for young snowboard enthusiasts. 

Snowmaking

In recent years, Lake Tahoe has faced challenging snow conditions, so snowmaking is crucial. While the average snowfall is 350 inches, Mother Nature doesn’t always send the same amount each year, which means Northstar’s top-notch snowmaking capabilities are even more important to ensure good skiing even when natural snowfall is lacking. 

Cross-Country and Snowshoe Trails

Northstar boasts nearly 22 miles of groomed backcountry trails suitable for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking, with equipment available for ages 5 and up. There are also trailers available for parents who want to pull little ones along the trail. Exploring these trails offers a fantastic aerobic activity for the whole family; it’s also peaceful enough to have a conversation while still enjoying the great outdoors in a more low-key atmosphere than the race downhill.  

Additional Activities

To save on ski trips, it’s smart to plan some off-the-mountain days. Northstar offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including the village ice skating rink and cinema. Families staying in Northstar accommodations have access to a Recreation Center with an outdoor pool, hot tubs and a game room. 

Accommodations

Northstar provides 220 onsite units, ranging from basic hotel rooms to condos and full rental homes. All of the properties offer shuttle rides to the slopes, but only the Constellation Residences at Northstar include access to the services and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. If you prefer to walk to the village gondola, though, you’ll want to look at the Ski Trails Condominiums. 

Ski Trails Condominiums 

For families seeking luxury, Ski Trails offers one- to three-bedroom condos right above the village. All units meet a high-quality standard, including a full kitchen and fireplace. The units are comfortable, and incredibly convenient, just steps from dining, shops and the gondola. Amenities include a welcome desk, concierge service, fitness rooms, outdoor hot tubs, private underground parking and ski storage. 

Constellation Residences at Northstar 

We also checked out the Constellation Residences and loved the ski-in/ski-out experience. This full-service hotel offers incredible room features for families, and guests can use the facilities at the adjacent Ritz-Carlton. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe 

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is an excellent option for families seeking full pampering. Not only is the staff phenomenal and the rooms gorgeous, but the 17,000-square-foot spa and mid-mountain views will have you feeling relaxed in no time.  

We dined at Manzanita, the signature restaurant with an open kitchen and an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The interior design is mountain modern, featuring wood and natural stone with clean lines and cozy seating. The menu offers hearty options like pizza for kids and sophisticated choices for parents. A gondola runs from the Ritz to the village, allowing parents not staying on the property to enjoy a car-free gourmet evening. 

An important note for families: The Ritz-Carlton’s Ritz Kids program offers a multitude of activities designed for children age 5 to 7 and 8 to 12. These include educational adventures that teach kids about native animals and plants in Tahoe, as well as nature-inspired arts and crafts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts and more. 

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for family ski vacations on Ciao Bambino

An insider’s guide to Lake Tahoe ski resorts with kids

From toddlers to teens: Best family ski resorts for all ages

The 8 best ski resorts for spring break

How to choose the perfect family ski resort

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.