Northstar is one of Lake Tahoe's bigger resorts, thanks to a gradual expansion over the past 30 years. It's owned by the Vail Resorts, which also owns Heavenly to the south. Northstar has a fast, efficient lift system (which has been constantly improved to a very high standard in recent years) and an intimate, friendly feel. Northstar has had an exciting renaissance over recent years and has added a new base village since 2006. This incorporates up-market ski-in, ski-out condominiums, shops, restaurants and they hope a lively après ski scene centred on a year round ice rink and stylish fire pits. As a further enhancement Northstar added luxurious Ritz-Carlton Highlands for the 2009-10 season.

Through all this development Northstar has made a pledge to achieve environmental excellence through a newly created Sustainability Program and through various other environmental management programs.

If you are trying different resorts in Tahoe, remember Northstar is an especially good bet on bad weather days, due to its wind-sheltered location and heavy tree cover.