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Skiers cruise down thesnow covered slope towards the hotel in the background, while others ride the ski lift
A snow-covered building overlooks an outdoor pool lined with deck chairs
Ski gondolas in front of the resort in winter

Plan Your Ski Vacation at This Lake Tahoe Resort

Tucked into the mountain at Northstar California, this Lake Tahoe resort offers a luxury retreat for skiers and snowboarders. The ease of ski-in/-out access, the assistance of a mountainside concierge, expert-led classes at the Northstar Resort Ski and Snowboard School and snowboarding programs led by Burton, the sport’s inventors, are among the available amenities. After a day on the mountain, guests can retreat to the resort’s après ski experience at Highlands Bar.

True North 

True North is the one-stop shop for all ski fittings, rentals, passes, and gear here at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. They are the official retail shop for Northstar California. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.  

Ski & Snowboard School

The Northstar Resort Ski and Snowboard School has lesson programs suited for all levels. “Magic carpet” beginner lifts make the first day easy, with station teaching for those who prefer to learn at their own pace and skill clinics for advanced intermediate and above skiers ready to take it to the then next level. There are a number of programs available including programs designed for parents skiing with young children and camps designed by women for women.

Burton

Designed to welcome new riders to the sport of snowboarding and help those already in the sport to improve their skills. To maximize the experience, all-day programs are limited to a maximum of six students. Burton, the inventor of snowboarding, has their only snowboard academy in the world located at Northstar California Resort.

Cross Country

North Lake Tahoe is home to miles upon miles of challenging and rewarding cross-country ski trails.

The Village at Northstar

The Village at Northstar offers outdoor shopping with a mix of dining, specialty boutiques and a two-screen movie theater all centered around a year-round skating rink the entire family can enjoy.  Access The Village at Northstar by taking the Highlands Gondola directly from The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

Truckee

Located just ten minutes from our Lake Tahoe family resort, Truckee is a historically rich mountain town surrounded by rugged Sierra Nevada scenery. Its authentic charm and small town character will captivate you. Truckee’s quaint historic downtown is full of unique dining options and specialty boutiques.

One of Truckee’s greatest allures is the abundance of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. In the summer, you can enjoy fishing, rock climbing, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and river rafting. Hikers have miles of trails to choose from including the Pacific-Crest Trail which will take you to mountain meadows filled with wildflowers and breathtaking scenery. A winter wonderland, Truckee is within minutes of eight major ski resorts. There is also dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling and tubing – unlimited possibilities to create an unforgettable Lake Tahoe family vacation. Click here to learn what there is to see and do in Truckee.

Tahoe City

Situated on the Western shore of North Lake just 25 minutes from the resort, Tahoe City offers superb shopping and dining options. An array of year-round activities - including snow sports in winter and hiking, camping, fishing and water sports in summer - make this small town a wonderful place to spend time with the family, enjoy world-class recreation or just relax and enjoy the view. Enjoy four-star dining, homegrown coffee shops, elegant boutique shopping, art galleries, a walk along the lakeside trail system or Tahoe City's century-old heritage, historic sites and museums. Click here to learn more about what there is to see and do in Tahoe City. Click here to learn more about what there is to see and do in Tahoe City.

Lake Tahoe Facts

The Lake Tahoe Basin was geologically formed about two million years ago. Over time, snowmelt from the surrounding mountain peaks filled the basin creating Lake Tahoe, one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet and 72-miles of shoreline.

The area around Lake Tahoe was originally inhabited by the Washoe tribe of Native Americans. Lake Tahoe was the center and heart of Washoe Indian territory, including the upper valleys of the Walker, Carson, and Truckee Rivers. The English name for Lake Tahoe derives from the Washo dá’aw, meaning lake. Learn More