Northstar Ski Village
Mount Pluto (8610ft) is a densely forested mountain set in the spectacular Serra Nevada range about 10 miles to the north-west of Lake Tahoe. In the mid 20th century the mountain’s slopes were used for low intensity timber production. Things all changed when Fibreboard, a company with a whole range of different interests, bought into the area with an intention to develop a ski resort. The first lifts were installed early in 1972, and the skiing opened winter the same year. The following years saw a gradual development of the ski slopes, with the addition of more trails and lifts. In 1996 Fibreboard divested of Northstar, selling it on to Booth Creek Resorts (run by the very weathly George N Gillet). Booth Creek planned to create extend the skiing, and create an on-site ski-village with ski-in, ski-out accommodation. In 2006 the new beautifully designed and very stylish ski village opened. Further developments include a luxury hotel, planned to open in 2009. Today, if you ski Northstar, you’ve definitely chosen one of the best ski resorts in California.
Northstar may not have the most dramatic terrain available – the trails are all tree-lined, with little variation in feel – but it does have a great reputation for family-friendliness, and challenging intermediate skiing.
The ski-school is located at the Day Lodge, a gondola ride above the village. Lessons take place on the easy slopes above the lodge. By the end of your first week you should be confident enought to ski down the green trail Village Run which wends its way from the Lodge back to the village.
The best of the skiing at Northstar is for skiiers in the middle range of ability. Recommended runs include the ridges of the top of Mt Pluto, both exciting runs. East Ridge boasts spectacular views of Lake Tahoe in the distance, at there are several challenging lines plunging from the ridge down the slopes towards the valley. The opening of the Backside area of the mountain has opened up some superb skiing. Favorites here include Burnout, The Rapids and Polaris.
The ski school offers a full ski program with ‘luckystars’ for 3 year olds, ’superstars’ for 4-6 year olds, and ‘allstars’ for 8-12s. The school can be well recommended, the instructors are super patient and encouraging.
Finding good accommodation at Northstar is easy. Pick a place in the pretty pedestrianised village to make for a really laid back vacation – there’s nothing to beat just an easy walk back to your appartment after a day’s skiing. Lot’s of condo accommoation is also available with a short shuttle ride from the village. Evening activities are a bit limited. The ski village does contain a number of shops, restaurants and bars, but of course there’s not the wide choice available in a bigger town. A highlight is enjoyoing an apres ski drink by one of the many fire pits around the large ice-rink at the village center.
Best Ski Resorts’s (from 100BestEverything) rating (out of 5 stars) 2-expert,3-intermediate,4-beginner.
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