Summary:  Set along Lake Tahoe 200 miles east of the San Francisco Bay area, Northstar-at-Tahoe is the only California resort to make our Top 20 list.  While there are several Tahoe area resorts to choose from (Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and others), we think Northstar is the best option for family skiers, and many other publications seem to agree.

Two things set the skiing apart at Northstar from its neighbors:  First, an abundance of beginner and moderate trails.  A whopping 75% of trailer are either beginner or intermediate, the largest such measure on our list.  Second, the ski conditions are usually better at Northstar than its neighbors due to its setting on the lake and number of trees.  If comparing Northstar to southern Colorado, there may not be a condition advantage.  But comparing Northstar to the other Tahoe resorts, you’ll definitely find more good ski days here than the other places.

Northstar is undergoing a bit of a transformation and may become more upscale in coming years.  Significant building, exemplified by the Ritz Carlton set to open in December 2008, are making Northstar into a real destination.  Still, with the nature of its terrain, we expect it to remain a great family option indefinitely.

The Tahoe area ski areas are some of the lower altitude ones in the Western US, and provide a good option for those who may react poorly to altitudes.  The base at Northstar is just above 6,000 feet.

Lodging Choices:  Lodging near the lift base can be obtained through the resort at their website or by calling.  Other lodging in the area can be found through other channels – with the number of attractions and destinations at Tahoe, off-mountain choices are abundant.  We would like to see more ski-in, ski-out lodging at Northstar, but that may be remedied in coming years.

Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop:  2,500 acres / 8,600 feet / 2,200 feet

Activities for Non-Skiers:  Northstar offers an atmosphere with some activities for the non-skier, but not to the extent of places like Aspen or Stowe.  Still, restaurants, shops and boutiques offer enough entertainment off the mountain, with more being added each year.  For those with transportation, easy day-trips to Reno’s casinos or longer day-trips (3 hours) to the Napa wine country can augment the ski experience.

Ski School:  Northstar’s highly regarded ski school accommodates kids ages 3 to 15.  Full day prices range from $110 to $140.  Northstar has also created a parent and toddler joint lesson for children ages 3 or 4 and a caregiver.  This follows a trend we are seeing at the more family-oriented resorts.  

Day Care:  Northstar’s childcare accommodates older children than many resorts we have reviewed.  Ages 2-6 are welcome at Northstar’s Minor’s Camp, while the norm in the industry is to accommodate infants starting at age 2-6 months.  The childcare rates range from $84 - $114, depending on length of time and time of year.  However, the Parent Predicament lift ticket, allowing two parents to share one lift ticket throughout the day, offers a very innovative solution to the need to care for an infant at the resort.

Getting there:  Northstar is located on the northern edge of Lake Tahoe, a 3 hour drive from San Francisco.  For those flying, Reno is just 30 minutes away, and offers air service from Boise, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Elko, Houston, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Spokane and Tucson.

Insider Tip:  Being so close to Napa and the Bay area, standards are high for dining.  Options and quality of food is one of the great pluses of the Northstar area.