There’s no question that Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the country. But what’s truly special is access to three unique resorts offering world-class terrain and amenities, all on the Epic Pass. Within the Tahoe region, Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood Ski Resorts provide everything that you could want, need, and possibly be looking for during your time on and off the slopes. Whether that’s big mountain technical skiing, breathtaking views, and unbeatable vibes, or a more family-oriented feel, each of these incredible resorts provides unmatched experiences. Here’s a first-hand look at what makes the Epic Lake Tahoe resorts stand out, no matter the timing or weather.
Northstar California Resort
Report from Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Day one of our Epic Lake Tahoe road trip started with a quick, one-hour drive from South Lake Tahoe to the slopes at Northstar California Resort. Upon arriving, I was genuinely surprised by how much coverage was still on the runs, given the considerably below-average season across the entire West Coast. The lack of snow hasn’t stopped the hardworking teams at Northstar from keeping the mountain in great shape. With top-to-bottom skiing still on the docket, I was excited to see just how well the conditions were holding up.
Arriving at Northstar feels like stepping into a charming, picturesque mountain ski village with over 3,100 acres of beautiful slopes attached. The village, full of delicious restaurants, stores for shopping, fire pits for s’mores, and even an ice skating rink, guarantees a good time for the entire family both on and off the snow. As for skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, making it the perfect place to learn, progress, and have a blast, regardless of your ability level. From ski-in/ski-out condos for the whole family to a mid-mountain room at the Ritz-Carlton, staying at Northstar is a great way to spend time close to the lifts, village, and other awesome amenities.
We started our day around 11 a.m. with a couple laps down Grouse Alley, where the sun had already warmed the snow nicely, and the soft, slushy bumps were skiing perfectly. One thing I always forget, and absolutely love about Northstar, is just how long some of the runs are here. With over 1,200 feet of vertical drop on Comstock Express alone, we got a handful of hot laps in before venturing to the backside. I figured the north-facing terrain on Challenger would hold up better later in the day, and I was correct. It’s been 65° and sunny this last week, so I was shocked and seriously amazed at how great the snow was for skiing this late in the afternoon.
What really sets Northstar apart from other resorts in the region is the variety of terrain paired with the traditional family-friendly ski resort atmosphere. Whether you’re taking a private or group lesson with an instructor on beginner-friendly runs to help build your confidence, or working your way up through the small, medium, and large terrain parks at your own speed, there is something for everyone, no matter your skill level. Additionally, traditions like Tost—Lake Tahoe’s only ski-up champagne toast with a view, and S’mores—a sweet way to end the ski-day in the village, make for a one-of-a-kind experience.
After a quick lunch break at The Lodge at Big Springs, my sister came to meet us for a few laps. The snow stayed soft but not overly slushy on the backside throughout the remainder of the day, making for a phenomenal last hour. Considering the lack of snow this season and the recently warm temperatures, I was pleasantly surprised that we could still ski all the way back down to the village. We checked into our room for the evening before meeting back up with my sister for some Rubicon Pizza. We ended the evening with a relaxing and much-needed soak in the three spacious hot tubs at the Recreation Center. The plan for day two of our Epic Lake Tahoe road trip: a few morning laps here at Northstar before heading to Heavenly in the afternoon for the views and vibes.
