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Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season

 

1. Save Money.

Purchase lift tickets online in advance.

Buy lift tickets online seven days in advance and you'll get the Lowest Prices - Guaranteed. If you wait until after you arrive, you will pay full price at the ticket window. Please note that a lift ticket purchased at Northstar is valid only at Northstar. A lift ticket purchased at Heavenly is valid only at Heavenly.

» Northstar Lift Ticket Rates

 

2. Save Time.

Make advanced reservations online.

Reserve rental equipment, adult lessons and lesson packages, children's lesson packages or child care online in advance to ensure availability and be more prepared for your visit!  Reservations need to be made 24 hours or more in advance.

» Reserve Lessons & Rentals Online

 

3. Beat the crowds.

Arrive early and leave before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

Arrive early and get closer parking spots, best selection of rental gear and fresh tracks!  If you don't leave before 3:00 p.m., we recommend hanging out in the Village and enjoy Northstar's après ski scene at Baxter's Bistro, The Chocolate Bar, TC's Pub, Rubicon Pizza Company, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar or the Cabana Bars around the rink.

Or, take a few laps on our skating rink - ice skating is free and skate rentals are just $10. 

» More on Après

 

4. Conserve Your Energy.

Utilize drop off zones, free parking for shopping/dining, and valet parking.

Northstar California offers two traffic drop-off zones – one for busses and shuttles and the other for private vehicles, which helps to smooth out traffic flow and avoid congestion. Private vehicles can pull up to the Village and either take advantage of Northstar’s valet parking service, or unload their passengers and all of their gear before they go park the car.  We also offer free 2-hour parking directly across from The Village for guests shopping and dining in the Village.

» More on Parking 

 

5. Get Right To It.

Ride the Village Express chair to Mid-Mountain.

Intermediate or better skiers and riders can avoid the crowd in the Gondola line that tends to form during the holidays and take the Village Express chair instead. This high-speed quad is located behind the Gondola building and quickly drops guests off at mid-mountain in minutes.

 

6. Ski More. Wait less.

Consider purchasing a Fast Pass priority lane ticket.

Don't waste any time waiting in lift lines! Access the priority "Fast Pass" lane with a one-day Fast Pass ticket for only $40 sold at any ticket window. A valid lift ticket or season pass is also required. 

 

7. "Know the Code"

While you're visiting us, we encourage you to observe Your Responsibility Code:

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

» Mountain Safety

 

8. Avoid the Lunch Rush.

Eat lunch before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m.

After a full breakfast at the Lodge at Big Springs, guests can pick up a snack-to-go to power them through the noon hour and eat a late lunch once the crowds have dissipated. When everyone else is on the mountain, head to Chilly Pepper's Dos, TC's Pub, Earthly Delights, The Chocolate Bar, Baxter's Bistro, Euro Snack, Rubicon Pizza Company or Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in the Village at Northstar™ – always a best bet for avoiding the lunch rush. 

» More on Dining Options 

 

9. Be Hands Free

Consider a 3-day or weekly Private Locker Membership.

Our weekly and 3-day Platinum Level Private Locker memberships offer hassle-free, conveniently accessed ski and gear storage in the Village at Northstar™ with exclusive members-only benefits like a private family locker room with room for up to four (4) people, endless tunes, valet ski/board check, concierge service, and more! Day lockers and storage are also available for storing smaller items such as jackets, lunches and purses! 

» More on Private Lockers

» More on Day Lockers

 

10. Free Yourself.

Enjoy FREE Overnight Ski/Board Storage!

Free yourself from the hassle of schlepping your gear around.   After a day of skiing or riding, store your skis or snowboard in Northstar's FREE overnight ski and snowboard storage located behind The Chocolate Bar.

» More on Overnight Storage

 

Northstar wishes you a wonderful holiday season!