Photo: Leijurv / CC BY-SA 4.0About Northstar
Northstar California is a ski resort in California. It offers 2,280 feet of vertical drop, 3,170 skiable acres, 100 marked runs, served by 20 lifts, with an average of about 350" of snow a year. Northstar was formed in 1972 on land previously operated as a tree farm. The official profile places the resort about 40 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and notes that the scheduled airport shuttle requires reservations.
Why Visit Northstar?
- 100 runs with 2,280ft of vertical drop
- Average annual snowfall of 350"
- 3,170 skiable acres with terrain for all ability levels
- 20 lifts including gondola, chairlift
Where to Stay
Live prices for hotels, condos and homes near Northstar, plus places we’ve researched.
Live prices & availability
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — hotels, condos and private homes. You book on their site. These are affiliate links: Everything Ski may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Photos
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Mountain Statistics
8,609ft
Summit Elevation
2,624m
6,329ft
Base Elevation
1,929m
2,280ft
Vertical Drop
695m
3,170 acres
Skiable Area
1,282.85 ha
100
Total Runs
1.4mi
Longest Run
2.25km
20
Lifts
350"
Avg. Snowfall
889cm annually
How Northstar compares
Terrain Breakdown
13%
60%
27%
●Beginner
13% of trails
■Intermediate
60% of trails
◆Advanced / Expert
27% of trails
Trail Map
Open the current Northstar trail map:
Season & Operating Hours
Last season (2025–26)
Opening DayNovember 22, 2025
Closing DayApril 12, 2026
Status Closed for the season
This season’s dates are set by the resort — check its official site for opening day.
Getting to Northstar
By Car
Northstar is in California, USA. Tap the button below for turn-by-turn directions from where you are.
Get DirectionsGPS Coordinates
Latitude39.2744
Longitude-120.1211
RegionCalifornia, USA
Lift Tickets
The rest of your Northstar trip — for lodging, see Where to Stay above.
Nearby Resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening and closing dates are set by the resort each season, so check its official site for this year's dates. Northstar averages 350" of snowfall a year.
Northstar rates 13% of its terrain as beginner, across 100 marked runs. Check the resort's site for its ski school and learning areas.
Northstar averages 350" of snowfall a season, with a summit elevation of 8,609 ft.
Northstar is located in California, USA. Use the "Get Directions" button at the top of this page for turn-by-turn directions from where you are. GPS coordinates: 39.2744, -120.1211.
The Where to Stay section near the top of this page shows live prices for hotels, condos and vacation rentals around Northstar, plus any places we've researched.
Articles About Northstar
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