The 2009-2010 season is gearing up to be truly epic at Northstar, thanks to mountain-wide improvements that run the gamut from new lifts and snowmaking capabilities to new programs and instruction areas. Oh, and did we mention the new ski-in/ski-out Ritz-Carlton Highlands? The posh hotel, situated mid-mountain, offers mountain valet services, a signature restaurant, a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, as well as 170 guest rooms and a number of permanent residences. The resort is promising an improved experience on the slopes as well, thanks to new snowmaking and grooming equipment and techniques and a whole host of new programs.
Northstar features more than 89 trails that are accessed by no less than 18 lifts. An express gondola takes skiers and riders from the village to the base lodge. One “six pack” express chondola, six quad express chairs, two triple chairs, two tow lifts and five magic carpets service the rest of the mountain. Skiers and snowboarders will find a good mix of trails at Northstar, with 13 percent ranking as beginner runs and 27 percent designated as black diamonds. The majority of the mountain’s trails, 60 percent, are considered intermediate, which is partly why the resort is so popular with families. Despite its varied selection of blue runs, however, Northstar also has a reputation for its fantastic tree skiing and deep powder stashes, particularly on the back side. The mountain is also known for its terrain parks, which have ranked among the top ten in North America. Extreme skiers and riders will find over 45 rails, jibs and boxes plus 50 jumps ranging in size, as well as a 420-foot Super Pipe and Burton Progression Park. In addition to its downhill and park options, the resort offers a cross-country center, tubing, ice skating and much more. And the options are only increasing.
The ever-expanding Northstar-at-Tahoe, part of the Booth Creek network of winter resorts, has undergone a base-to-summit transformation into a year-round mountain destination. Lodging, eateries, shops, galleries, skier service area, amenities like fire pits and skating rinks, you name it, The Village at Northstar in Truckee probably has it.