Northstar California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northstar California |
|
|---|---|
The East Ridge of Northstar California, with a view of the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Taken from near the summit of Mt. Pluto.
|
|
 Northstar California
Location in California
Northstar California
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Placer County, California |
| Nearest city | Truckee |
| Coordinates | 39°15′50″N 120°07′30″W / 39.264°N 120.125°W |
| Vertical | 2,280 ft (690 m) |
| Top elevation | 8,610 ft (2,620 m) |
| Base elevation | 6,330 ft (1,930 m) |
| Skiable area | 3,170 acres (12.8 km2) |
| Runs | 100 total 13% beginner 60% intermediate 27% advanced |
| Longest run | 1.4 mi (2.3 km) |
| Lift system | 20 lifts |
| Lift capacity | 34,800 / hr |
| Terrain parks | 7 |
| Snowfall | 350 in (890 cm) |
| Snowmaking | 50% |
| Night skiing | none |
| Website | northstarcalifornia.com |
Northstar California is a fun mountain resort in the western United States. It is located in Placer County, California, close to the beautiful Lake Tahoe.
This resort is about 200 miles (320 km) from the San Francisco Bay Area. It has a huge area of 3,170-acre (12.8 km2) for skiing and snowboarding. The mountain has a "vertical drop" of 2,280 ft (690 m). This means the difference between the highest and lowest skiable points is 2,280 feet.
Northstar has 19 lifts to take you up the mountain. It also has a special system to make snow. There is a place for cross-country skiing too. The resort has a village with places to stay and eat. In summer, you can play golf or ride mountain bikes.
Contents
History of Northstar California
Northstar was once a place where trees were cut down for wood. A company called Douglas Lumber owned the land. Later, another company bought it.
The resort was first called Timber Farm. But its name changed to Northstar-at-Tahoe. It opened in December 1972. When it first opened, it had five chairlifts. The ski trails were designed by Luggi Foeger. He was an Austrian designer.
Today, Northstar California is run by Vail Resorts. This company also owns other popular ski resorts. Some of these are Heavenly Ski Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe. Vail Resorts also owns resorts in Colorado, like Vail and Breckenridge.
Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Northstar has a large area of 3,170 acres (12.8 km2) for skiing and snowboarding. About 60% of its trails are for intermediate skiers. This means they are perfect for people who are not beginners but not experts either.
The resort makes sure its trails are well-groomed. This means the snow is smoothed out for a better ride. In 2015, Ski Magazine said Northstar was one of the best ski areas in the western United States.
Snowfall at Northstar
Northstar California gets a lot of snow every year. The resort says it gets about 350 in (890 cm) of snow each winter. This measurement is taken at the top of the mountain. They count the snow from the first snowfall until the last day the resort is open.
The chart below shows how much snow Northstar received in different ski seasons.
The Village at Northstar
The Northstar Village is designed like a small town. It has a central square. In winter, this square turns into a fun ice skating rink. It's a great place to hang out after a day on the slopes.
There are many places to eat in the village. You can find different kinds of food here. Some popular dining spots include:
- Michael Mina's Bourbon Pub
- Rubicon Pizza Company
- Copper Lane Cafe & Provisions
- Los Arcos Mexican Grill
- Petra Wine Bar
- TC's Tap House
- The Grille at Sawtooth Ridge
- Starbucks Coffee
- White Rabbit Eatery
Images for kids
-
Panorama of "Lower Lion's Way" ski trail, just below the top of The Big Easy chairlift
