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I recently visited Lake Tahoe in the winter and stayed at Northstar Resort for the first time and it was a fantastic experience. For those of you who are not familiar, Northstar Lodge & Ski Resort is a luxury ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region of California. Though it’s only 108 miles from Sacramento, its remote location makes it feel like you’re worlds away. There is so much to do at this ski resort! There are plenty of slopes to explore, and the terrain is perfect for any level skier or snowboarder.
Beyond skiing, there are many other activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, and swimming in the heated pool. I can’t forget the spa treatments and fine dining, there are so many fun things to do at Northstar Village. Plus, there’s plenty of lodging options- from luxurious hotels to rustic cabins with wood-burning fireplaces to condos. I didn’t have enough time to explore all the restaurants but I did try out some great food at The Grille at Sawtooth Ridge – their fish tacos were amazing! Whether you’re on a family vacation or just want some time away by yourself, Northstar has something for everyone.
Lodging at Northstar Ski Resort
When you visit Northstar Village, you’ll find a variety of lodging options that suit any vacation style. The resort offers luxury hotel suites with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces in the rooms to rustic cabins complete with wood-burning fireplaces. If you’re looking for a condo rental, Northstar has that too! They have two-story townhomes, and private homes with up to 5 bedrooms!
During my stay at Northstar I had the opportunity to stay at two different places, thanks to being a member of the 2019 Digital Influencer Advisory Board for Visit California. This way I got to see two different sides of lodging and both had their perks. I first stayed in a one bedroom at Coyote Fork, followed by a two bedroom two story townhome 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 The kitchen and bathroom are outdated but other than that it was a comfortable stay.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 by 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
Shopping in Northstar Village is a must-do! There really isn’t anything you can’t buy at the Northstar Village shops. No matter what you’re looking for – from Lululemon to North Face to Burton if you forgot anything on your ski trip packing list you can find it here. – Northstar has it all. The village is home to some of the best ski and snowboard shops in Tahoe. 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. The Village is without a doubt the focal point of Northstar. It’s where you’ll find all the shops, restaurants, and some of the lodging, as well as activities like ice skating, spa treatments and even a movie theater. When you’re trying to figure out what to do in Northstar it won’t take you long to land on something great!
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. If you’re traveling with kids they will without a doubt want to give this activity a try!
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 Village features a variety of dining options for every appetite and budget. With 23 dining options with 16 of them being in Northstar Village, you’ll find something that suits everyone’s taste. You’ve got…
- – Los Arcos
- – Rubicon Pizza Company
- – Bourbon Pub
- – Frites
- and PetraJust to name a few!
Several of the restaurants are closed during summer and operate at varying hours. Some are also takeout only, so make sure to plan out which restaurants you will be eating from and when. The nice thing is that 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 price tag 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.
My Review Of Northstar Ski Resort
I absolutely loved my stay at Northstar Ski Resort and would love to return. The ski and snowboard instructors are top-notch, making beginners feel extremely comfortable. If you’re a foodie you will love all the restaurant options whether you have time to sit down for a meal or need grab-and-go options. When traveling with winter clothes that take up a lot of space, having a washer and dryer available in your accommodations is always great so you can pack less base layers and wash them allowing you to pack lighter.
Ski resorts can often forget that people need a break from skiing with Northstar that’s not the case. Being able to watch a movie in a theater, make candles, take a yoga class, and more all in the village was such a treat. I loved my stay at Northstar Ski Resort and can’t wait to revisit.
Northstar Ski Lodge & Resort Is One of The Best Lake Tahoe Resorts!
It’s clear to see why Northstar Ski Resort is continuously ranked as one of the best Lake Tahoe resorts. Northstar Lodge & Ski resort has it all. With a plethora of restaurants, shops, and snowy activities you’ll never get bored. Beautiful lodging accommodations for every budget, we have something to offer everyone! 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! What are you looking forward to most about staying at Northstar Ski Resort?
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!