Responsibility Code + Rules

Mountain Bike Responsibility Code

1. Familiarize yourself with the trail system and select rides within your ability level.
2. Make sure that all bike components work properly.
3. Helmets are required while riding. Gloves and protective clothing are recommended.
4. Always ride with a buddy and be prepared for emergencies.
5. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings and ride only on designated trails. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Be courteous to other riders and pass only when it is safe.
8. Yield to other types of trail users including hikers, horses and vehicles.
9. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
10. Respect the environment and wildlife.
11. When entering a trail or starting downhill, you must look uphill and yield to other riders.
12. Prior to using any lift you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. When in doubt, ask a lift operator.

Smart Ride

Before entering Mountain Bike Terrain and Skilled Development Areas, refer to Smart Ride for rules on riding safe in Northstar^®  Resort's Mountain Bike Park. Learn more >

Hiker's Responsibility Code

1. Obey all trail signs and markings and hike only on designated trails.
2. Don’t stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others.
3. Dogs must be on a leash and under an owner’s control at all times while on Northstar® property.
4. Know how to use the lifts properly. When in doubt, ask a lift operator.
5. Respect the environment and wildlife.
6. Access to emergency care available at the top and bottom of Village Express Lift, Vista Express Lift and the Village Bike Shop.
7. If you are involved in or witness a collision, you must identify yourself to a Northstar® Mountain Bike Medic or lift operator.
8. Be prepared for constantly changing weather conditions.
9. No smoking due to extreme fire danger.
10. Some trails may be closed due to construction.  Consult mountain bike staff for information.
11. Please check in at the Village Bike Shop prior to accessing the trail system.
12. Please hike on designated hiking trails and roads only.
13. Hiking/outdoor footwear is recommended.

CAUTION: Black bears are common in the Sierra. Leave the bears alone and do not aggravate them. Use common sense and please DO NOT FEED THEM.

Northstar Resort Information + Rules

1. While dogs are not allowed on the chairlifts, leashed dogs are allowed on Northstar™ Resort’s Big Springs Gondola, Tahoe Zephyr cabins and hiking trails.
2. Please hike on designated hiking trails and roads only.
3. If you are involved in or witness a collision, you must identify yourself to a Northstar Resort Employee. Emergency care is available at the top and bottom of Big Springs Gondola Express, Vista Express, Tahoe Zephyr Express and the Village Bike Shop. To summon help, call 530.562.2444.
4. Use U.S. Forest Service maps or other topographical maps when bicycling outside the Northstar Resort trail system.
5. Please don't walk or ride on the dam at Northstar Resort's reservoir.
6. Sierra mountain weather can change rapidly. Severe thunderstorms and temperature changes are common. Be prepared for changing conditions.
7. No smoking due to extreme fire danger.
8. Some trails may be closed due to construction. Obey posted signs, review map and consult mountain bike staff for info.
9. Please check in at the Village Bike Shop prior to accessing the trail system.
10. The Village at Northstar™ is a pedestrian friendly resort. Please refrain from riding down stairs. Walk your bike where appropriate.

These are partial lists only. Ride and Hike With Care.

WARNING: Mountain biking, hiking and other recreational activities involve inherent and other risks of injury and death. Trail conditions vary constantly because of weather, changes and biker/hiker use. Variations in terrain, stumps, forest growth, rocks and debris, (All of which may be hidden by tall grass or vegetation) lift towers, snowmaking equipment, vehicles, logging equipment and other machinery and other natural and manmade obstacles and hazards may exist throughout the area. You must assume the risks of personal injury and death related to participation in recreational activities within this recreation area.