If you're planning a getaway with friends to Northstar, you might be laser-focused on hitting the slopes. With 100 trails and an average of 350 inches of snow each year — plus that breathtaking Lake Tahoe scenery — why not? Or maybe you want to take it easy and leave lots of time for other fun things to do in Northstar. With a group of friends, planning can get tricky. But if you consider all the best things to do with friends in Northstar, you'll have a shared experience you’ll never forget.
Share a Ski or Snowboard Lesson
Naturally, skiing and snowboarding are the No. 1 thing to do with friends in Northstar, but not everyone is ready to hit the slopes. Whether it’s your first time or you need a refresher, a lesson at Northstar’s Ski and Snowboard School is a smart idea. They’re available for first-timer, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with half- and full-day classes for kids and adults.
If you have a mixed experience level in your group, you might feel that skiing or snowboarding together isn’t something you can do with friends at Northstar. Why not book a private lesson for up to six, with custom instruction for all abilities? Your total-novice friend and almost-pro BFF will all benefit from individually tailored expert instruction, and you’ll all have fun together throughout the session.
Tōst at Northstar
Tōst is a unique tradition on the mountain, and a really memorable thing to do with friends at Northstar. It’s an invitation to ski to a prime mountain-view spot, where an open-air bar supplies glasses of bubbly and sparkling apple cider. At the scheduled time, everyone raises a glass together to toast the mountain. It’s a fun ritual and special moment to appreciate the natural wonder of the mountains, the snow, the good times, and of course, the company of friends.
Check out the Cross Country Center
Alpine skiing and snowboarding get all the attention, but don’t overlook the other snow sports available at Northstar. Stop in at the Cross Country Center to pick up a trail map and check out the options for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. These sports offer the chance to explore the mountain and forest and admire the views at a different pace. Over 20 miles of trails offer three difficulty levels, and the longest trail leads you to an amazing Lake Tahoe viewpoint.
In addition to equipment rentals, the Cross Country Center offers private and group cross-country and snowshoe lessons. These are a great thing to do with friends in Northstar, as is the popular Twilight Snowshoe Tour. The guided evening tour is available on select dates throughout the peak season. It takes you through the serene pine forest toward the Village, and includes a fire pit break with s’mores and hot chocolate.
Skate Around the Ice Rink
Village Ice Skating is an absolute must-do at Northstar. The huge ice rink is the centerpiece of the Village, encircled by fire pits and places to eat, drink, and socialize. There’s often live music around the vibrant gathering place too. Rent a pair of skates and get out on the ice with your friends. Afterward, score a seat by a fire pit and order craft cocktails or hot boozy confections from the adjacent Rink Bar.
Enjoy Snow Play at The Overlook
Another great thing to do with friends in Northstar when you’re exploring the Village is snow play at The Overlook. This cool venue combines a full cocktail and hot cocoa bar with snow play zones and a snow tubing hill. The hill has two parallel lanes for tubing races and unlimited sliding while you’re there. It’s definitely not just for kids! Your friends can cheer you on from the bar.
Indulge in a Spa Day
How does a day (or half day) of true indulgence sound? A hot stone massage after a full-body workout on the slopes or steam room session and facial? A trip to The Highlands Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is one of the most delightful things to do in Northstar. The luxury spa has 17 treatment rooms plus relaxation areas with fireplaces. Guests enjoy access to a dry heat lodge, eucalyptus steam room, cold rain-shower plunge and hot tub, plus a heated outdoor lap pool with views of the slopes. Browse the treatment menu and don’t hesitate to add a spa day to your vacation schedule.
Vous
Centrally located right by the ice rink in Northstar Village, Vous is the place for your “first sip, last pour”. Grab some breakfast and a handcrafted coffee before you take your first run, then come back for apres and enjoy beer and wine in an artsy, cozy environment. Vous is new for the 2023/2024 season and quickly becoming a favorite spot to relax and vibe with friends.
Movie Night!
When it’s cold outside and you’re done with outdoor fun for the day, there’s something really enticing about going to the movies. The Village Cinemas is an intimate two-screen movie theater in the village where you can watch a Hollywood feature, enjoy popcorn, and relax in a comfy seat for a few hours. A warm, cozy spot with snacks and great entertainment — there are few better things to do with friends in Northstar than have a movie night.
Looking for Things to Do in Northstar?
When you’re planning a vacation in the mountains, you might have difficulty narrowing down all the fun things to do with friends at Northstar Resort. You can try to do them all — it’s possible — but there might be some compromises to make! It’s all part of the joy of vacationing with friends.