Lake Tahoe’s Best Family Ski Resort: Northstar California Overview

Planning a family ski trip to Lake Tahoe? Northstar California Resort is one of the best destinations for winter fun, offering the perfect mix of skiing, snow activities, and family-friendly amenities.

Known as Lake Tahoe’s top family ski resort, Northstar provides beginner-friendly slopes, expert ski instruction for all ages, and a welcoming village with dining, lodging, and off-slope adventures. It's the ideal choice for a North Tahoe ski vacation the whole family will love.

The range of family-friendly amenities at Northstar California enhance your Tahoe vacation and create a memorable experience for guests of all ages.

1. Easy Access to Transportation Services
   
   If you're flying into Tahoe, you won’t have your own car, and renting a car when you plan to spend most of your time on the mountain is unnecessary and the resort is centered around a pedestrian friendly village.
   
   That is why Northstar provides guests with complimentary dial-and-ride services in the local area, making it one of the best Lake Tahoe ski resorts for families.


2. The Resort Is Pet-friendly If You Are Bringing a Furry Family Member
   
   A family ski trip to Lake Tahoe would be incomplete if you had to leave any pets behind at home. Bringing them along also provides entertainment and distraction for kids who love being with their animals.
   
   Just know that not all Tahoe ski resorts accommodate pets. Northstar is proud to be dog-friendly, so be sure to book a pet-friendly room if this applies to you.


3. Ski and Snowboarding Lessons for Everyone
   
   Even if everyone in your family is an avid snow shredder, a lesson can be a great way to improve technique, performance, and results on the mountain. Additionally, if there are family members with little to no experience on the snow, they’ll need a gentle beginner’s course to get started.
   
   Northstar offers a full range of exceptional lessons for children and adults at every experience level and includes the Northstar Green Run Guarantee.


4. Family Friendly Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodging
   
   Ski-in/ski-out lodging means stepping out the front door and hitting the powder! It's convenient, easy, and time-saving, and helps make your ski vacation more enjoyable for everyone.
   
   
   • The Constellation Residences at Northstar
     The Constellation Residences offer heated pools, a fitness center, ski concierge, and a quiet location.
   • Timber Creek Lodge
     Experience true ski-in/ski-out convenience at Timber Creek Lodge, nestled in the heart of Northstar Village just steps from the slopes and village amenities.
   
   
5. Kid-Friendly Dining
   
   Northstar Resort offers on-site cafes and restaurants, with kid-friendly options like pizza, pasta, and burgers—all within walking distance in the village.
   
   Popular on-mountain dining includes:
   
   • The Lodge at Big Springs – Mid-mountain spot for fresh lodge fare.
   • Zephyr Lodge – Scenic views and seasonal dishes at 8,000'.
   
   
6. Kid-Friendly Activities Beyond Skiing
   
   When someone in your group can't ski—or during poor weather—Northstar offers plenty of alternative family-friendly fun:
   
   • Snowshoeing
   • Snow biking
   • Village shopping
   • Ice skating and tubing
   • Roasting s’mores by the fire


7. A Wide Range of Beginner-Friendly Skiing
   
   At Northstar, families have access to over 90 mountain trails ranging from beginner to expert. This includes plenty of green and blue runs, ideal for families and first-timers.
   
   Preview the Northstar trail map to plan your runs.
Pro Tip: Explore what makes Northstar the go-to North Tahoe ski resort for novice skiers!


8. Convenient to Airports and Easy to Reach by Car
   
   Northstar Resort is well-situated in the Lake Tahoe region and easy to get to.
   
   By Air: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), about 45 minutes away. Shuttles or car rentals are available.
   By Car: Northstar is a 3.5–4-hour drive from San Francisco, and 2.5–3 hours from Sacramento.
   Nearby: Downtown Truckee and the Lake Tahoe shoreline are both within a 15-minute drive.