Families that Play Together, Stay Together

There's a reason why families find themselves smiling more at Northstar™ Resort.  Ranked number five in North America for its Family Programs by SKI Magazine and recognized by Parent Magazine  as one of the best family-friendly resorts, we are devoted to making family vacations as fun and hassle-free as possible. 

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Northstar Resort has accommodation for every budget and they come in all sizes from studio condominiums to 6-bedroom cozy mountain homes.  Families will find convenience in new village condos located steps from the ski lifts and in the heart of the shops and restaurants.  Prefer the warmth of family all together in a beautiful private mountain home? Choose from three to six bedrooms vacation rentals located with complimentary shuttle  pick-up service.   

You can ask for family perks like kids' DVDs and high chairs.

Healthy, Yummy Food

Timbercreek Restaurant features a fun and healthful menu from chicken wings to prime rib and everything in-between.  We use the freshest ingredients and you won't ever find any trans fat in any of our products!

Try Rubicon Pizza Bistro, right next to the skating rink for a rustic mountain ambiance.  Here families can sit together in a curved booth while enjoying salads and pizzas.  If you perfer to stay in, pick up macaroni and cheese, cookies, milk and other gourmet groceries at Earthly Delights, Lake Tahoe’s premiere catering company located right in the village. 

» See all dining options

On the Mountain

For parents that want to be right there with their child as they make their first turns, we offer FREE Mommy, Daddy & Me lessons for children ages 3 - 4.  This program couples parents with one of Northstar Resort’s experienced instructors to give them tips on teaching kids how to ski.  For the kids who feel comfortable in skis or snowboard, visit our Adventure Parks, built just for kids. Everything is just their size including bumps, jumps and secret hideouts. Children will also find special snow play areas where they can kick off their skis and play in the snow. Paw Parks are patrolled by ski patrol and mountain safety and are built off mainstream runs so parents are never far away. 

Families can appreciate the Mellow Yellow zones (dedicated 'slow' zones) located on our mountain. Our Mountain Safety Team, with their bright yellow jackets, is always out there on the slopes ready and willing to help everyone stay safe and enjoy their day.   Parents rest assured knowing their kids are skiing and riding at a resort that won the 2007 National Ski Area Association (NSAA) Safety Award!

Off the Mountain

Kids still have energy to burn? Watch them ice skate while you toast marshmallows and enjoy hot toddies by the fire pit.   Kids and adults can fly high into the sky and land your first flip with the Apex Bungy  Trampoline located on Village Overlook.  The more creative ones in the family can choose to knit at Loopy or make their own beaded necklace  at Farrah Ralé Bead Design Studio. 

If you stayed in a Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Condo or Mountain Home, a quick shuttle ride will take you to the Recreation Center  where kids can have fun in the game room with air hockey, ping-pong, foosball, while you soak in our hot outdoor spa.

Parents' Before-You-Go Tips

• Reserve kids lessons or child care in advance to ensure a spot, save time and be more prepared for your visit!
• Arrive early.  If enrolling your kids in our morning or all-day lessons, we recommend for you to arrive in parking lot by 8:00 a.m. to allow appropriate time to make it to the lessons - even if you have made reservations.
• Dress child appropriate for weather, layers are best.
• Be sure your child has eye protection (goggles for snowy days and sunglasses for sunny days).
• Retail items are available at the Children's Center, Mine and Freckles
• Helmets are strongly recommended and available for rent.
• Be sure your child eats breakfast.  Full-day lessons and lesson packages include lunch.
• For parents with children too young for ski school, Northstar Resort offers the Parent Predicament Ticket, an interchangeable lift ticket for parents to share. Take turns hitting the slopes and watching the kids. Same price as a regular adult lift ticket.*

*Please note the parent predicament ticket is only available for full-priced daily lift tickets and not valid on tickets that are promotions, discounts or multi-days.