Northstar California is one of the largest ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, located about 10 kilometres south of Truckee off Highway 267. The resort has around 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 100+ trails, and a well-developed village at the base with restaurants, shops, and ice skating. It is family-friendly and less frenetic than Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), with groomed runs that suit intermediate skiers well and a terrain park that attracts snowboarders.
In summer the mountain becomes a mountain biking park, with over 100 kilometres of trails ranging from gentle cross-country routes to technical downhill lines. The gondola operates year-round for those who want access to the upper mountain without the exertion. The resort is expensive by international standards, as all Tahoe skiing is, but lift pass deals and lodging packages can reduce the cost for a multi-day stay.