Thanks for a great season!

Bike Park Now Closed

As sunshine changes to snow, Northstar California must also go through a changeover.  We have closed for the season and begun our transition to winter operations.  Join us starting November 22* for for skiing and riding.

 

*Winter opening day weather permitting.

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Lake Tahoe’s largest lift-served bike park

Northstar Bike Park

Experience summer single track at Tahoe’s largest lift-served mountain bike park.  Start with steady cruisers, then progress your way to technical downhill descents. No matter your skill level, beginner to expert, we have the equipment and coaches to get you on the mountain. The resort offers complete protective gear and bike equipment rentals as well as top of the line lessons for exploring signature trails like Livewire and Boondocks. For the most in-depth one-on-one attention, try a full day lesson with the Specialized Academy, where you'll work with an expert bike coach and demo this year's latest bike gear. 
Bike Park

Hours of Operation

Month Day Hours Anticipated Lift Operations
 June  14-16  10am-5pm

 Big Springs Gondola
 21-24, 26-27, 29-30  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola & Zephyr
 Friday, June 28  10am-7pm  Big Springs Gondola & Zephyr
 Tuesday, June 25  Closed  Closed
       
 July  Mon-Thurs  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola & Zephyr
 Friday  10am-7pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista
 Sat-Sun  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista
       
 August  Mon-Thurs  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola & Zephyr
 Friday  10am-7pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista
 Sat-Sun  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista
 21-22  Closed Closed for Enduro World Series Preparations
 23-25*  8am-5pm*  Limited Operations due to Enduro World Series*
       
 September  Fri-Sun + Labor Day (2)  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista
 29 - Closing Day  10am-5pm  Big Springs Gondola, Zephyr & Vista 

 

Schedule subject to changes due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Follow @NorthstarMTN on Twitter for up to the minute operations updates.


Expand your skills

Family Biking

Specialized Academy Lessons

Become the rider you’ve always wanted to be, while conquering the mountain on top-of-the-line equipment and world-class trails, with instruction from professional coaches.  Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rider, the Specialized Academy will get you to your A-game.
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Trailblazers Bike Camp

Trailblazer Bike Camp

Welcome to the most fun camp your kids will ever go to, offering a mid-week camp designed for 10 to 16 year-olds.  Trailblazer Bike Camp is home of the best mountain bike coaches in Tahoe, with five-day group lessons providing an unrivaled opportunity for progression and unforgettable experience for riders of all abilities.
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Bike Racer

Downhill Race Series

See how your skills stack up against your peers in the Northstar Downhill Race Series.  Compete in one race, or make it an all-summer-long event.  The Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series featuring 20 divisions for men, women and juniors to compete in. 

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Trail Berm
Explore all the mountain has to offer

Summer Terrain Status

Zephyr Express is now open for hiking and biking, which means greatly expanded terrain offerings.  Livewire, Boondocks, Gypsy, Coaster and several others have joined the lineup.

Become the rider you’ve always wanted to be by training on trails that are consistent, approachable and grippable.  All those conditions are achievable with the irrigation on the following trails: Mineshaft, 2Six Jump Park, Pho Dogg, Speed Control, Playground, Livewire.

Summer Terrain , opens in a new window
E-Bike
Featured

E-Bike

Conquer more trails with silent, pedal-assited power. Take your riding capabilities to a whole new level with our E-Bikes offered in our Specialized lessons. 
Start Here
Scott Gambler

Bike Park Rentals

Get the gear you need to not just ride the bike park, but conquer it.  The Village Demo Shop offers three levels of downhill bikes, two levels of enduro bikes, e-bikes and jr. bikes.  Rest assured, there is a bike ready to make sure you have a fun day on the mountain.
Reserve Bike

Enduro World Series: August 24 & 25

Northstar California Resorts is excited to host the only United States stop on the 2019 Enduro World Series.

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Enduro World Series
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2018 Summer Trail Map
2019 Season

Summer Trail Map

From world-class downhill mountain biking trails to approachable family friendly hiking, our trails compliment all ability levels. Come explore some of our signature bike park trails like Livewire and Gypsy to easy hiking trails with the kids out to Sawmill Lake.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2019: Uphill only e-bike trails.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Bike Park Orientation Guide

If you are new to downhill mountain biking, it is important to know the intricacies of the sport before you hop on a bike.  In the below guide you can learn some basics such as what to wear, what type of bike to ride, what trail difficulties mean and how to ride smart.

Daytona Berms

BEGIN ROLLING ON TWO WHEELS THE RIGHT WAY

If you’ve never mountain biked before, downhill biking can seem pretty intimidating. But it’s not all about big air and high speed like you see in a lot of videos. As long as you’re comfortable riding a bike, you too can give downhill mountain biking a try. But it’s important to get started right so here are some helpful tips to get you rolling down on two wheels safely.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Get the downhill techniques and expert tips right from the start with a Specialized Academy lesson. Whether you need the fundamentals of bike riding or want to simply refine your skills, our expert coaches teach the techniques required for riding downhill and navigating around the park. You’ll gain confidence and know which trails are suited for your ability.

FREERIDE 101

The perfect entry-level lesson, offering everything you need to get introduced to freeride mountain biking.  This two-hour lesson includes a half-day bike rental, all-day lift ticket, a helmet and protective gear.

BUMPS & BENDS

Even expert riders need a refresher course now and then.  This lesson focuses on high-speed cornering, jumping and navigating the rocky terrain of Northstar California.  It's all downhill from here, so saddle up and get ready to rip.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Whether you're learning to mountain bike for the first time, or looking to take your riding to the next level without having others slow you down, private lessons give you that one-on-one personalized attention you deserve. 

Fox Concept Store
COVER UP FROM HEAD TO TOE

 

Don’t let weather, obstacles, or crashes put an early end to your day. Protect your body from a range of elements and injuries with these recommended protective gear designed exclusively for downhill mountain biking.
  • Helmet (Mandatory) – A helmet is required for all riders in the bike park. We strongly recommend a full-face helmet to provide the greatest range of protection.
  • Goggles – Wrap-around goggles are the best choice for eye protection against dirt, branches, and other obstacles you’ll encounter on the trails or in a crash.
  • Elbow and Knee Pads – Provide protection from cuts, scrapes, and any impact to these parts of your body that are most common to be injured in a crash.
  • Closed-Toe Shoes – Shoes with a durable toe box and high ankle support are important to manage the rough terrain and impact.
  • Long-Sleeved Shirt and Shorts – Cover up with the proper clothing to limit the amount of bare skin showing.
  • Full Finger Gloves – Use these to keep your hands on your bars with a secure grip on your brakes. Your hands are typically first to support you in a crash so you want them covered up.
  • Body Armor – Optional for anyone who wants extra protection for their back and chest.
  • Neck Brace – Optional for anyone who wants extra neck support which typically is needed when hitting large jumps and drops.

THE VILLAGE DEMO SHOP

Located at the base of Northstar California, The Village Demo Shop offers all the protection a downhill mountain biker could need, for rent or sale.

Scott Gambler

NOT ANY OLD MOUNTAIN BIKE WILL DO

Riding the Northstar Bike Park requires a different type of mountain bike than you might be used to. Mountain bikes with full suspension (front and back), disc brakes, and a dropper seat will make your day in the park safe and fun.

 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIKES YOU SHOULD RIDE IN THE PARK

Downhill – Downhill-specific bikes are intended for all levels of riders who want to enjoy the most out of the Bike Park. A full suspension, downhill-specific bike like the SCOTT Gambler handles the Bike Park’s technical and free-ride terrain the best and is specifically designed for descending, not ascending. We recommend this type of bike for any level of rider in the bike park.

Enduro – Enduro bikes combine full suspension in the front and rear with a more upright design allowing riders to descend yet ascend when needed. At the minimum, bike park riders should have an Enduro, full-suspension bike, similar to the SCOTT Ransom, which is best suited for beginner and intermediate terrain only.

E-Bike – Pedal-assist e-Bikes are a fun and easy way to enjoy the outer reaches of the Northstar Bike Park. A full suspension e-bike will allow riders to easily pedal uphill and have a comfortable ride downhill.  Please note, e-bikes are only allowed to travel uphill on designated routes, but they are welcome to travel downhill on all other trails.

 

VILLAGE DEMO SHOP

Located in The Village at Northstar, The Village Demo shop has various styles of bikes that will ensure your properly equipped for the Northstar Bike Park.

MTB Trail Progression
THERE IS MORE TO KNOW THAN YOU THINK
Whether it’s your first time ever in the park or it’s your first lap of the day, it’s important to ride smart. Slow down before you speed up because crashes can happen often on your first lap. Ride a trail multiple times to get familiar with the features and equipment first so you can confidently push your limits without pushing your threshold.
 
FOLLOW THESE 3 STEPS WHEN STARTING TO RIDE
  1. Warm up the brain and body, then inspect the trail at low speed. 
  2. Lap a trail a few times to get to know the flow of the features. 
  3. Start small and work your way up to faster speeds and larger features.
 
MATCH YOUR SKILL ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
All trails within the Bike Park are designated by color-coded markers at the start of each descent. Work your way up to more advanced trails and features based on your progression, skill, and comfort level.
 
FREERIDE TRAILS: JUMPING SKILLS REQUIRED
Freeride trails are built by machines and contain manmade features including jumps, drops, gaps, wallrides, narrow surfaces, berms, and other natural or constructed features. Freeride trails are distinguished with an orange oval around the difficulty symbol.
 
BEGINNER (Green Circle)
  • Smooth, wide surfaces with gentle corners and rolling terrain.
  • Designed for new bike park riders.
 
INTERMEDIATE (Blue Square)
  • Smooth surfaces on steeper terrain, including larger corners, rollers, and small jumps.
  • Raised features like bridges and wallrides require jumping skills and speed.
  • Suited for riders who have mastered all beginner freeride trails.
 
ADVANCED (Black Diamond)
  • Mix of smooth and rough riding surfaces on steep and fast grades.
  • Larger-man-made features including jumps, raised bridges, and steep wallrides.
  • Advanced jumping skills required.Suited for riders who have mastered all intermediate freeride trails.
 
EXPERTS ONLY (Double Black Diamond)
  • Trails with steep terrain and very fast speeds that require expert jumping skills.
  • Mandatory jump features that require knowledge of gaps and landings.Suited for the most advanced riders only.