Formerly known as the Timber Farm, Northstar California first opened its doors in December 1972. Designed by Austrian skier, mountaineer and key participant in the creation and training of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division, Luggi Foeger, Northstar began with five chairlifts with the motto of “Everything in the middle of nowhere.”
Today, Northstar is a year-round destination resort featuring 20 lifts, world class terrain parks, one of the largest lift-accessed mountain bike parks in Northern California and a Village that is home to upscale shopping, fine dining and variety of family friendly activities. Northstar has become a one-stop spot for everything.
Shop, craft & unwind
Start your day with breakfast at Earthly Delights, serving homemade pastries, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, granola and yogurt, there’s a variety of quick meals to fuel up before a day of shopping or hiking and mountain biking on the mountain.
Shopping is abundant in Northstar Village. From name-brand retail locations, including Burton, Helly Hansen, Patagonia and the North Face, to boutiques such as True North and Kalifornia Jean Bar, one is sure to find the perfect outfit. For crafty folks, The Villager Candle Shop provides the space, material and instruction to make candles, paint pottery, create mosaics and create stuffed animals. Villager Candle also hosts crafting parties for groups of up to 40 people.
After a morning of exploring the Village relax and unwind at Balance Holistic Health Spa. The spa offers an away of massage and acupuncture options, as well as manicures, pedicures and facials. Additionally, the spa hosts yoga classes including free community classes at Patagonia every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. through Sept. 21.
For the adrenaline junkies
On the opposite side of the spectrum, those seeking an adrenaline rush should head to Northstar’s mountain bike park. Open daily through Aug. 18 and Friday through Sunday until Oct. 6, the bike park offers terrain for all abilities.
Shorten the learning curve with a lesson from the Northstar Bike Academy. Those who have never ridden downhill before can get their hands dusty with the Bike 101 lesson where balance, speed control and proper stance are emphasized, along with familiarity with riding equipment. Intermediate and advanced riders can improve their technique with a bumps and bends lesson where lessons are tailored to meet the groups needs and include high speed cornering, jumping and rocky terrain. Private lessons also are available. Northstar also provides a fleet of downhill bikes for rent. Lessons and rentals are open to kids and adults ages 10 and older, with some exceptions.
Hike the mountain
Bring the family together for an afternoon of hiking. Lift tickets may be purchased for $10 or $5 for children ages 5 to 12 for scenic lift rides and easy access hiking. Rent a GPS for $20 and turn your hike into a treasure hunt. Geocaching involves using a handheld GPS system to find hidden treasures across the mountain. Each stash contains a logbook and some kind of trinket. The rule is that if you take a trinket, you must leave one for the next person to find.
After working up an appetite treasure hunting, head back to the Village for lunch. Rubicon Pizza Company offers pizzas for every taste including homemade, gluten-free crust. In addition to pizza, Rubicon offers an array of salads and pastas. The Lodge Wings are a locals’ favorite.
Tennis, fishing or golf, anyone?
The Northstar Property Owners Association owns one of the top ten resort tennis courts in the country, which is open to lodging guests and homeowners at Northstar. The center provides classes and clinics to tennis players of all ages. Or, take to the links at the 18-hole golf course with views of Martis Valley and the surrounding mountains. Private instruction and golf and lodging packages are available.
For the angler in the family, Sawmill Lake might be the perfect way to spend the afternoon. This 10-acre lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and is open to catch and release fly fishing from a float tube or along the shore. The lake also can be booked for large private parties.
Family fun
For kids under the age of 5, the Strider Adventure Zone is the spot to test the waters with a Strider Balance bike. The Strider Adventure Zone is a free activity, bring a bike or try one of the complimentary Strider bikes on site.
Northstar offers a handful of other activities for the young ones including a 9-hole kids’ disc golf course, a Bungy trampoline and the opportunity to pan for gems and arrowheads in a sluice of running water at the Village Overlook.
The skating rink, also in the Village, is free to all users with skate rentals starting at $10. Show up in your best 70s or 80s attire on Tuesday nights for Retro Skate Nights.
Luxury on the mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe located at Northstar’s Mid Mountain offers an unparalleled experience for guests and visitors from its luxurious spa where you can enjoy a treatment with spectacular views of Martis Valley or dine at Manzanita and enjoy upscale California cuisine. Take a seat at the Chef’s Table for the ultimate experience.
On Saturdays, discover the art of creating the perfect cocktail in The Living Room at 3:30 p.m. Bring your canine companions to enjoy a drink on the Backyard Terrace for Yappy Hour every Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Dinner & a movie
The Village has many options for dinner. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers traditional Japanese cuisine with an American twist. For those seeking something a bit more casual, TC’s Pub is the place to catch the game and enjoy a burger. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy the wine list at Petra, offering al fresco dinning from its tapas menu while sipping on a glass of wine.
After dinner, catch the latest new release at the Village Cinemas. Offering two movie screens and various show times, the Village Cinemas present the latest hits in ultra stereo or DTS.
Nightlife under the night sky
Join poet and star guide Tony Berendsen for a short hike and a night next to the fire pit exploring the stars. Three telescopes are available for a closer look at the universe. Check tahoestartours.com for a schedule of special events including evenings accompanied by Accent String Quartet.
The Night Rider provides free public transportation from the Northstar to Crystal Bay and along the West Shore from 7 p.m. to about 1:30 a.m. Visit tahoetruckeetransit.com for a complete schedule.
Photos courtesy of Northstar California
Upcoming events
Ongoing
Live music | Entertainment section in this issue
Various times | Bike 101 & Bumps & Bends | Northstar Bike Academy
Every Wednesday
Adult, women’s, family & junior golf clinics | Northstar Golf Course
Every Friday
6 p.m. | Backyard Barbecue Family Cookout | Ritz-Carlton
Every Saturday
8-9 a.m. | Free yoga class | Patagonia
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Art of the Cocktail | Ritz-Carlton
Every Sunday
3-4:30 p.m. | Yappy Hour | Ritz-Carlton
Aug. 9-11
8:15 p.m. | Star Tours | Ritz-Carlton
Aug. 16-17
8:15 p.m. | Star Tours | Ritz-Carlton
Aug. 23-24
8:15 p.m. | Star Tours | Ritz-Carlton
Aug. 30-31
8:15 p.m. | Star Tours | Ritz-Carlton
Aug. 31
3-6 p.m. | Wine Walk | Village at Northstar
Visitor Information
northstarcalifornia.com | tahoetruckeetransit.com
