Best Lake Tahoe Resorts: Northstar Ski Resort

I recently visited Lake Tahoe in the winter and fell in love! Part of what made my experience so great was my time at one of the best Lake Tahoe Resorts, Northstar Ski Resort. Here is everything you need to know about staying at Northstar Ski Resort and it’s amazing Northstar Village.

Lodging at Northstar Ski Resort

The options for lodging at Northstar Ski Resort are endless. Northstar has traditional hotel rooms, condos, two story town homes, and private homes with up to 5 bedrooms. During my stay at Northstar I had the opportunity to stay at two different places. I first stayed in a one bedroom at Coyote Fork, followed by a two bedroom two story town home in Indian Hills.

Northstar Ski Resort: Coyote Fork

Coyote Fork is apartment style lodging at Northstar Ski Resort. I had a one bedroom/one bathroom with a full kitchen, living room, dining table and fireplace. The kitchen and bathroom are outdated but other than that it was a comfortable stay. Coyote Fork is in a great location as it’s walking distance to Northstar Village, just 5 minutes. There is plenty of parking in front of the units. However, beware there are a lot of stairs depending on your unit and no elevators if you aren’t on the first floor.

Northstar Ski Resort: Indian Hills

After one night at Coyote Fork I was moved to a two bedroom two story townhome in Indian Hills. My room was equipped with two bedrooms and one bathroom downstairs. One bedroom had a king size bed while the other had two twin beds. There was also a washer and dryer which is perfect extended stays or for those who pack light.

Upstairs was an updated kitchen, breakfast nook, pull out couch, fireplace and an outdoor patio with a grill. The kitchen comes with all the utensils you need to make a proper meal. Indian Hills is not walking distance to Northstar Village however there is a shuttle stop right outside the cul de sac. When you’re ready to head to Northstar Village you can request the shuttle from the app or calling the shuttle line. I never waited more than 5 minutes for a shuttle. The shuttle runs to and from Northstar Village or to wherever you’d like to go daily from 8am-10pm.

Northstar Village Shops

There really isn’t anything you can’t buy at the Northstar Village shops. From Lululemon to North Face to Burton if you forgot anything on your ski trip packing list you can find it here. Most shops are open from 8am-8pm or until 9pm on the weekends. You can check out all the shops here.

Northstar Ski School

The Northstar Ski School offers lessons through Burton Academy for both skiing and snowboarding. Kids can take ski lessons starting at 3 years old. They offer both private and group lessons depending on your needs. All the equipment you need is available for rental. If you plan to take snowboarding lessons I highly recommend Trevor as your instructor. I had never snowboarded before and look at all we accomplished in our one day lesson.

 

Northstar Village Childcare

If you had kids who aren’t old enough to ski or just don’t want to that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the slopes. Northstar Ski Resort offers childcare for kids 2-6 years old from 8:30am-4:30pm. Your child’s stay includes lunch, snacks, and both indoor and outdoor play. You can find the most up to date rates here. If you’re considering ski resorts in other states I highly recommend Northstar’s sister property in Colorado, Keystone Ski Resort, it’s perfect for families.

Things to Do at Northstar Village

If you get tired of skiing or snowboarding at Northstar Ski Resort there are plenty of other things to do at Northstar village.

Northstar Village Candle Shop

Looking for a practical souvenir? The Northstar Village Candle Shop allows you to have fun creating various projects that you can take home and put to use. While it’s called the candle shop and you can of course make your own candles there’s more to do. Kids can make their own stuffed animal including picking out a special outfit. Both kids and adults can paint pottery and adults can decorate their own wine glasses.

Northstar Village Ice Skating

The Northstar Village has an ice skating rink right in the middle of it. The rink is open from 12pm to 9pm weather permitting. Ice skating is free but if you don’t have your own skates they are $5 to rent.

Tahoe Spa and Wellness at Northstar Village

Need to relax after skiing or snowboarding? Visit the Northstar Village Spa for various treatments. You can also take various yoga classes at the Yoga studio. The studio offers various classes including traditional yoga along with classes focused on recovering from snow sports.

Northstar Village Tubing at the Overlook

While Northstar Ski Resort offers tubing on the mountaintop Northstar Village offers tubing at The Overlook for Northstars smallest guests. Here kids 42” and shorter can enjoy tubing at ther perfect length and speed for them. Tubing here is also at a reduced rate of $20 for the entire day.

Northstar Village S’more Time

Everyday at 4pm by the ice skating rink Northstar provides all the ingredients for you to make your own s’mores free of charge. Just remember it’s on a first come first serve basis so arrive early before all the supplies are gone!

Northstar Village Movie Theater

Can you believe Northstar Ski Resort has its own movie theater? It’s actually genius and the perfect activity for a snowy day when skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or ice skating isn’t an option. This scenario was the case for me when Lake Tahoe got hit by a storm during my visit and all my activities were cancelled. There are two theaters and two different movies playing at a time. Adults are $13 while children and seniors are $9 and the theater comes with a full concession stand.

Northstar Village Restaurants

Northstar Ski Resort has 23 dining options with 16 of them being in Northstar Village. Options range from snacks to casual fare to fine dining. Here is where I ate during my stay.

Northstar Village Breakfast Options

Starbucks: Is there anywhere Starbucks isn’t? If you need a quick bite before ski lessons Starbucks is the perfect option. Arrive before 9am to beat the crowds!

Euro Snack: Euro Snack offers freshly made Belgian Waffles for breakfast! They also sell paninis, gelato and other European style snacks.

Northstar Village Lunch and Dinner Options

Rubicon Pizza: Who doesn’t like pizza? If you’re looking for a very casual dining option Rubicon is it. The menu consists of a variety of pizza, pasta, and salad options.

The Grille at Sawtooth Ridge: Still casual but offering much more than pizza and pasta my lunch at Sawtooth Ridge was great. I ordered the fish tacos but you can choose from other types of tacos, burgers, and entrees such as Rib-Eye and Ahi Tuna.

Tavern 6330’: While the meals at Tavern 6330 or more fine dining and come with the pricetag to match you can still wear your ski gear to eat here. The lunch menu is more casual and less expensive but I ate here for dinner. With menu items like Lobster Risotto and Chilean Sea Bass you’re in for a real treat.

It’s clear to see why Northstar Ski Resort is continuously ranked as one of the best Lake Tahoe resorts. Lake Tahoe in the winter is such a special time and Northstar has so many winter activities to take advantage of. The Northstar Village is phenomenal and I hope to return. Interested in other California cities? Check out our itineraries for Santa Barbara, Huntington Beach, Oceanside, and Anza Borrego. Did you find this post helpful? Please share it!

 

I was invited to Lake Tahoe as a member of the 2019 Digital Influencer Advisory Board for Visit California. As always all opinions are my own and true!