"Can I take a dog on the Gondola?" "What views do you recommend?" "What is Retro Skate Night?" "When does the summer season end?"
We'll try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about summer fun and activities at Northstar California and the Village at Northstar.
What time does the lift open and close?
Please note that the last chair down is 1/2 hour before the lifts closed. The Season Pass Office and Plaza Bike Shop open at 9:00 a.m. in order for you to pick up or purchase your lift ticket(s). » Hours of Operation
How do we get the gondola ride?
The scenic lift rides are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. We require each guest to have a lift ticket; we ask that you pick the tickets up in the Tickets & Season Pass Office located at the end of the roller rink. » Scenic Lift Rides
Can I bring small kids on the lift?
Yes. Small children are able to go on the Gondola however when you reach mid-mountain, we recommend you take the Zephyr Lift gondola cabins to access the mountain further.
What views would you recommend?
Both chair rides have exceptional views! If you are looking for a view of Lake Tahoe, take the Vista chair. The top of Zephyr has beautiful views of Martis Valley as well as excellent mountain views from the deck at Schaffer’s camp. The best views on the mountain are from the top of the Lookout hiking trail that starts at the top of Zephyr. From the top of Lookout you can see Squaw, Sugarbowl, Castle Peak and all the way over to Mt. Rose. As for views of Lake Tahoe, Vista gives a decent filtered view but a short hike up the Tahoe multi-use trail and you get a much clearer picture. » Trail Map
Can I take a dog on the gondola?
Yes. All dogs must be on a leash in the Gondola and in the Gondola cabins on the Zephyr Lift. All guests are required to clean up after their pet and to not leave any garbage or pet bags in the Village or on-mountain. » Dog & Pet Policy
How long does it take to get to the top?
The Gondola and Zephyr ride is approximately 10 minutes. The Vista chair is roughly seven minutes. All times vary due to weather and other obstacles and services.
Is there a chairlift that goes to the top of Mt. Pluto?
No. There is not a chair in operation during the summer season to the top of Pluto but you are able to hike by access of the Vista chair and the Tahoe multi-use trail.
Can we ride the lift down?
Yes. All pedestrians can ride the lift down. Please note that the last chair down is 1/2 hour before the lifts closed. » Hours of Operation
What time do I need to be at the top of the gondola to come down?
You want to be at the top of the gondola no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time to download. If you do miss the last chair down, Village Run is a quick easy walk down.
What hiking trails would you recommend for beginners and intermediate hikers?
For guests new to our mountain, Crossover is a place to begin. Take the Vista chair to the Crossover trailhead and hike the trail to the top of Zephyr. At that point, you have two options; continue hiking or download from the Zephyr gondola cabins. » Hiking Trail Descriptions
Are there bikers on the hiking trails?
Sometimes. There are trails designated for hikers only, you will find these trails marked in pink on your trail map. There are also trails that are shared with bikers and these trails are marked with a solid line in your trail map; however the shared trails are fire roads so you have plenty of room to share with bikers. We recommend that each guest carries a map while hiking on our mountain. » Trail Map
Can I ride my bike up without a lift ticket, how much does it cost?
Yes. If you do not want to use any of the lifts throughout the day, you are able to bike the mountain trails for free. However, all guests are required to have a ticket. Please stop by the Plaza Bikes Gear + Rentals in the Village at Northstar to pick up your Bike Ticket before biking our trails. » Mountain Biking Rates
Where do I pick up a bike rental?
You will start your rental process at Plaza Bikes in the Village at Northstar, after you have completed payment you will travel up the Gondola to the rental tent located to your left. After Labor Day, all bike rentals will be handled in Plaza Bikes Gear + Rental Shop. » Plaza Bikes Gear + Rentals
What time does the roller rink open, how and where do I get rentals?
The rink is open daily June 15 - August 28 from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. The rink will be closed June 22, July 6, July 13 & 14, August 17 and Labor Day Weekend (8/29 - 9/4) due to special events taking place on the rink. The rink will be open Friday - Sunday, September 5 - October 7 (closed Monday - Thursday) from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rink operations are subject to weather and conditions so please call ahead to confirm hours at 530.562.3689. Skate rentals are available at the rental shop is located next to Plaza Bikes Gear & Rentals. » Hours of Operation
What is Retro Skate night and what time does it begin?
Enjoy your favorite music from the 70’s and 80’s and the guest with the best Retro outfit wins a special prize! The fun begins on Fridays from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. » Retro Skate Nights
Is there a movie theater in the Village? What are the movies playing and show times?
The Village Cinemas movie theaters are now open in the Village at Northstar featuring two movie screens, popular Hollywood hits presented in ultra stereo or DTS, elevated stadium seating, and a full-service concession stand. Movie show times and the “now playing” schedule are available by calling 530.562.8800 or 530.562.8700. » Movies & Showtimies
Where is Patrol located if someone is hurt?
Please visit the Patrol office for non-emergencies. You can locate Patrol at mid- mountain on the back side of the day lodge or call the number on your ticket to have a patroller come to you. In case of an emergency, please call 530.562.2444 or 911 or find a staff member to assist you. If you have a severe medical emergency call 911.
Is there a place to get food at the top of the mountain?
Yes. You can get "frog dogs" and drinks at Euro Snack located at the top of the Gondola. The Big Springs Day lodge is also available for BBQ and lunch items during lift operations. » Hours of Operation
When does your summer season end?
The last day of biking and hiking is scheduled for Sunday, October 9, 2011 (weather and conditions permitting).
Do you have summer daycare?
Yes. The Kid's Adventure Day Camp for kid's 4 - 12 offers a fun, interactive learning experience through nature hikes, games and activities. This affordable children's program is offered daily throughout the summer season. » Kid's Adventure Day Camp
Or, you can contact lodging for a list of babysitters and local daycares, or visit our Village & Mountain Amenities web page.
Do you have horseback riding?
No. Northstar will not offer horseback riding for the summer.
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