The best girls' weekend at Northstar has a nice balance between fun outdoor adventures and cozy, relaxing times just enjoying each other's company. Whether your girlfriends want to go heavy on the activities or lean more toward the restful items on their vacation agenda, Northstar Resort is an ideal destination. With the self-contained village as a home base, you can answer the call of the mountains or the beckoning warmth of the firepits at the cocktail bar, or best of all, do both! You and your girls will probably agree there's time to explore a variety of fun things with friends at Northstar.
1. Ice Skating in the Village
Village Ice Skating is one of the most popular things to do with friends at Northstar. You need not be good at ice skating to rent a pair of skates and enjoy the rink. Just rent some skates, hold each others' hands and do your best to circle around the ice without falling. Bonus points if you pull off a group selfie while skating!
The ice rink is unmissable as the wintertime hub of the village, surrounded by fire pits and bars, including the adjacent Rink Bar. There's often live music playing at the rink, creating a festive atmosphere for this essential activity during your girls' weekend at Northstar.
2. Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson
World-class grooming and pristine slopes are the resort's major draw during peak season, so there's a good chance you intend to ski or snowboard during your girls' weekend at Northstar. If you're a beginner, need to brush up on your skills, or have a range of different abilities in your group, consider booking a lesson at Northstar's Ski and Snowboard School.
Lessons are available for first-timer, beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, and you can choose group or private lessons. You and the girls can have fun together during the lesson and then take those new and improved skills to the slopes for even more excitement.
3. Twilight Snowshoe Tour
Did you know that other snowsports — cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking — are also great things to do with friends at Northstar? Snowshoe along a trail connecting the Cross Country Center to the Village, and stop for s'mores and hot chocolate while you warm up by a fire pit. You and the girls could also sign up for the Twilight Snowshoe Tour, a guided evening tour through the pine forest. Equipment rentals, lessons, and trail maps are available at the Cross Country Center.
4. Après in the Village
You don't have to have spent the whole day skiing or snowboarding to enjoy the tradition of après-ski. Fun fact: You can do nothing all day, head to the Village for drinks and apps, and still call it "après."
Grab a cabana, sit by a fire pit next to the ice rink, or head to The Overlook for adult drinks, hot chocolate, and snow play. The bar features a super-fun snow tubing hill with two lanes for racing. Another great après spot is Bourbon Pub, opposite the Big Springs Gondola. Its menus are designed by celebrity chef Michael Mina and include delicious shareables like duck fat fries and truffle mac and cheese to accompany craft beers, wines, and cocktails.
5. Summertime Ride and Hike
If your girls' weekend at Northstar is during the sublime summer months, when that California sunshine is just as appealing as winter's snows, then plan for a chairlift ride and hike. Typically open from mid-June through the first weekend of October, scenic chairlift rides allow you to see the amazing mountain scenery from up high and access amazing trails. Bring a picnic to enjoy while taking in views of Lake Tahoe. Some trails start in the Village, such as the West Martis Creek Trail and the Village Run to Sawmill Lake. Pick up a trail map and choose a route that suits your group's abilities and desired hiking style.
6. A Day of Pampering
If you and the girls love nothing more than a spa day, you're in luck! A treatment at The Highlands Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is probably the No. 1 most luxurious thing to do with friends in Northstar. If it's just you and your BFF, consider a side-by-side massage (they're not just for couples). Or, everyone could choose their own favorite facial, massage, body, or beauty treatment. Before and after, you'll enjoy access to the spa's relaxation areas, eucalyptus steam room, hot tub, dry heat lodge, cold rain shower plunge, and heated outdoor lap pool with mountain views.
For a more active way to work off some stress and relax, head to King Beach, where you'll find The Sanctuary Massage & Yoga Studio. While you're in the area, check out the short hike to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout, or pick up kayaks from one of the many local renal shops and explore the sparkling Lake Tahoe.
7. Do a Little Shopping
Check out the resort's shopping scene during your girls' weekend in Northstar. Snow sports gear, clothing, and accessories are well-represented by top brands like the North Face, Burton, and Patagonia. Hit up Oakley for a new pair of sunglasses or the Northstar Logo Co. for branded souvenirs such as T-shirts, hats, and stickers. This is also a great place for picking up gifts for the kids or guys who weren't invited on your girls-only vacation.
8. Wine Tasting at Petra
Petra Wine Bar and Mediterranean Restaurant is a charming destination in Northstar Village. You can go there for a glass or two of wine, pick up an excellent bottle to take back to your lodgings, or enjoy a delicious sit-down meal. Petra also offers wine classes for private groups, which is enjoyable to do with friends at Northstar. These classes include sampling wines from all over the world and an expert-led lesson in winemaking techniques and tasting notes. Charcuterie is provided as well.
9. Tōst at Northstar
A unique tradition, Tōst is a wonderful treat to plan for the final day of your girls' weekend at Northstar. Ski to a special spot on the mountain with amazing views, and you'll find a unique open-air bar serving a choice of champagne or apple cider. With glasses in hand, you and the crowd raise a toast to the mountain while enjoying the views and pristine alpine atmosphere. Raise another glass to your best girlfriends, and toast once more to a beautiful weekend together.
Planning a Girls' Weekend at Northstar?
From the remarkable natural beauty of Lake Tahoe to the many amazing things to do with friends at Northstar, there are countless reasons to choose the resort for a girls' weekend away. Start planning your vacation at Northstar Resort today.