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Written by Morgan Kriz
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Tuesday, 18 December 2007 |
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 If you have not been to the new Village at Northstar, it’s time to navigate your way to one of Tahoe’s year-round destination hot spots. From ice skating, shopping, dining, arts and crafts, sledding, skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, entertainment or just relaxing in a spa — the Village at Northstar has much on offer. Located in the bottom of Northstar Ski Resort (off Highway 267), the fledgling village has a little something for all ages.
Although Northstar Ski Resort features more than 83 trails spread across 2,490 acres and a world-class terrain park, it’s not just about being on the mountain.
“It doesn’t matter anymore if you are a skier or a snowboarder because there is much more than just the mountain,” Northstar communications manager Jessica VanPernis explained. “They way the village is designed is convenient for everyone. While the kids go off skiing, adults can relax at one of the bars or restaurants and hang out or shop. There are many upcoming events and activities for people of all ages. Once the new convenience store Bread and Butter opens in the new year, people won’t have to leave the village at all.”
 Travelers wishing for a white Christmas are invited to enjoy the fun and festivities offered at Northstar Resort this holiday season. From Candy Cane Fun Races to live music and New Year’s Eve parties, Northstar Resort is fun for all. Dec. 21-Jan. 6 live music can be heard in the Village at Northstar and do not miss treats being passed out from Santa Dec. 22-24. The 9,000 square foot ice skating rink will be open daily from 1 to 8 p.m. Skate rentals are just $5, or skating is free if you have your own skates. Ice skating lessons are available by appointment or feel free to drop in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.
Guests can also participate in a non-denominational worship service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at the top of the Vista Express chairlift at 2 p.m. (lift ticket required), or a Christmas Eve service in the conference center in the Village at Northstar at 5 p.m.
Skiers and snowboarders are invited to work off their holiday feasts on Christmas Day in the Candy Cane Fun Race to be held in Snowboard Alley at the Bear Paw lift. The race begins at noon, and a lift ticket is required.
The resort also offers summer activities including mountain biking, golfing, scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and much more.
Skating Rink
Located in the heart of the village, the 9,000 square-foot skating rink is the perfect ending to sunny winter days. Enjoy a hot toddy or mulled cider by the outdoor fire pits surrounding the rink or take a few laps to burn off any energy left over after a day on the slopes. Skate to live music on the rink stage most weekends throughout the winter season. Skate rentals are just $5, access to the rink is complimentary. Everyone must sign a waiver before entering the rink. The rink is open daily from 1 to 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting
On Saturdays during the winter season, guests can wet their palates at a free wine tasting from at Grapes + Grounds located inside True North.
Grapes and Grounds is a coffee and wine bard that celebrates fine quality coffees, teas and wines. They select a particular winery whose wines will be described, served and savored at the bar.
Wine tastings continue in the Village at Northstar at Earthly Delights on select Saturdays for a nominal fee that includes tasty appetizers.
DJ Parties
When the sun goes down, it is time to trade in your ski/snowboard boots for some dancing shoes. Butterbox features a DJ booth with two limited-edition 24K gold Technics turntables. Check our events calendar for special DJ parties throughout the winter at Butterbox or Rubicon Pizza Bistro.
S’mores
On a crisp, cold day, you and your friends and family can coze up to the crackling fire pits, grab sticks and s’mores kits from True North, located in the village. S’mores taste like a dream and there’s a very special experience behind them. Friends and family gathered ‘round a campfire roasting marshmallows and learning who likes them golden brown or burnt to a crisp.
Ring in the New Year in style
Northstar Resort will celebrate the New Year at its annual Fire and Ice New Year’s party. Expect live music and entertainment, a firework display, skating, food, drinks and other fun for all ages. Live music and entertainment runs from 2 to 8:30 p.m., including performances by the Truckee Tribe and Public Eye. The Controlled Burn fire dancers will captivate audiences in the Village at Northstar at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. The 7 to 10 minutes display of fireworks will bring in the New Year with a bang.
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar will also host a New Year’s Eve party. Mikuni’s event is open to ages 21 and over and starts at 10 p.m. The cost is $100 per person in advance and $150 per person at the door, and includes great raffle prizes and all you can eat sushi and complimentary sake from 10 p.m. to midnight. The event is limited to 200 people and tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.MikuniSushi.com.
Timbercreek Restaurant and Bar will also offer a special New Year’s Eve dinner menu. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (530) 562-2250.
 On the Mountain
With more than 2,490 skiable acres and trails made for all ability levels, jibbers and freeride skiers alike can enjoy what Northstar Ski Resort has to offer.
The Northstar Mountain Safety Team (with their bright yellow jackets) are always out there on the slopes ready and willing to help everyone stay safe and enjoy their day. The resort that won the 2007 National Ski Area Association (NSAA) Safety Award. Families can appreciate the Mellow Yellow zones (dedicated “slow” zones) located on the mountain.
For the kids who feel comfortable in skis or snowboard, visit Northstar Adventure Parks, built just for kids. Everything is just their size including bumps, jumps and secret hideouts. Children will also find special snow play areas where they can kick off their skis and play in the snow. Paw Parks are patrolled by ski patrol and mountain safety and are built off mainstream runs so parents are never far away.
Lift tickets
Northstar’s holiday period runs Dec. 26 - 31, 2007; Jan. 19 - 21 and Feb. 16 - 18. Ticket options include a multi-day, single day and an afternoon rate (after 12:30 p.m.) Turn in your single-day lift ticket by 12:30 p.m. to the ticket and pass office at the Village Center and receive a partial credit coupon for your next all-day visit. There are also special rates for corporate and group ticket sales.
Terrain Park
Northstar’s world-class terrain park is one of a kind. The latest feature is “The Stash,” a new kind of run developed by Jake Burton, Burton team riders and Snow Park Technologies. The first run of its kind, it is a place where riders can progress their all-mountain skills in a fun, natural environment that features tree runs, road jumps and jibs all constructed with wood logs and other natural materials. The Stash is designed with a combination of park riding with a big mountain feel.
Pinball is one of the best all around parks that the mountain offers. Pinball features jibs galore with everything from street rails to fun boxes, along with tabletops, step-downs, hips and rollers.
Tips on the slopes
Traveling around the holidays can be stressful. Here are a few tips to alleviate the stress and have a fun day on the slopes:
1. Take advantage of Northstar Resort’s complimentary shuttle service.
2. Take advantage of Double Whammy season passes, multi-day and discount lift ticket options. Visit NorthstarAtTahoe.com for details.
3. Ride the Village Express to mid-mountain. Skip the Gondola line and get an extra run in by taking the Village Express chair.
4. Families can make reservations for child care and private lessons in advance. To confirm a spot, reserve private lessons or child care at least 48 hours in advance. Call Minors’ Camp Day Care at (530) 562-2278 or the Ski and Snowboard School at (530) 562-2267.
5. Arrive at the rental shop early. The rental shop opens at 7:30 a.m.
For more information about Northstar Ski Resort visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.
Stats about Northstar Ski Resort
Skiable acres: 2,490
Base elevation: 6,330 ft
Vertical drop: 2,280 ft
Mid-mountain elevation: 6,800 ft
Summit elevation: 8,610 ft
Number of Trails: 83
Beginner: 13 percent
Intermediate: 62 percent
Advanced: 25 percent
Annual snowfall: 350 inches
Total Lifts: 17
Express Gondola: 1
Quad Express Chairs: 6
Triple Chairs: 2
Double Chairs: 1
Tow Lifts: 2
Magic Carpets: 4
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