Northstar Family Ski Lessons: What to Reserve and Pack

Reserve ski or snowboard lessons before arriving at Northstar, then check the meeting location, equipment requirements, and lift-ticket arrangements in your confirmation. Allow about an hour for check-in on the first morning.

Choose the lesson by age and ability

• Ages three and four: Chickadees for skiing and Chipmunks for snowboarding are the youngest group programs.
• Ages five to fourteen: Children's groups are arranged by age and ability. Instructors can adjust placement after seeing a child on snow.
• Beginner full-day groups: The resort's beginner guarantee covers qualifying children's lessons for ages seven to fourteen and adult lessons from age fifteen.
• Private lessons: An individual or family group of up to six can book together. Confirm the arrangement for your group's ages and abilities.

What the beginner guarantee covers

Northstar's Green Run Guarantee offers a fourth lesson free if a qualifying first-time or beginner participant has not skied or ridden a qualifying green run by the end of the third lesson. Check the eligible lesson format and current terms before booking multiple days.

Check the booking terms

Season-long programs give returning participants early access, with new-participant registration opening later. Check the current registration dates and availability for the program you want.

Northstar also offers multi-day and Epic Mountain Rewards discounts on eligible group lessons. Compare the current offers at checkout. Read the cancellation terms before paying, especially for a multi-day booking: weather alone does not cancel lessons while the mountain is operating.

Pack and arrange equipment

• Helmet: Required for children fourteen and under, and for teens under eighteen in designated children's classes. Arrange one before check-in; the ski school itself does not provide helmets or goggles.
• Clothing: Waterproof outerwear, warm layers, goggles or sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Food: Full-day children's group lessons include lunch. Private, adult, seasonal, and specialty programs may not; check the booking details.
• Tickets and rentals: Purchased separately from the lesson. Group bookings can offer a bundle at checkout.

Children must be fully potty trained to participate. Confirm the current requirements for your child's program before enrolling.

Know the meeting point

Children's group lessons meet in the Village's Children's Group Lesson Building near the skating rink. New students check in by the Pass Office; returning students meet at “The Beach” near Inclined Burger.

Adult groups meet at the Adult Ski and Snowboard School on Gondola Way, near Inclined Burger and the Big Springs Express Gondola. Private lessons meet at the Village office at the gondola base, or at the hotel for Ritz-Carlton guests. Follow the location in your booking confirmation and allow about an hour before the lesson.

Plan parking or the shuttle

The free Castle Peak parking lots have a shuttle to the Village. Closer Village View parking can require reservations on weekends and peak dates, while Preferred parking is paid during designated hours. Check the current parking rules before lesson day.

TART provides regional shuttle service, and Northstar's Dial-A-Ride serves local guests. Confirm the schedule and service area for your accommodation before relying on either for check-in.

A base for a family lesson week

The Northstar home sleeps up to 22 guests in seven bedrooms. A heated two-car garage and dedicated ski and snowboard storage make it possible to organize everyone's equipment the night before. After lessons, the hot tub, deck, and full kitchen give the group time together at the house.

For a broader resort comparison, see our guide to ski resorts near Northstar.

Quick answers

What is the youngest age for group lessons?

Three. Check the current Chickadees or Chipmunks program details, including participation requirements.

Are lift tickets and equipment included?

No. They are separate purchases, though you may be able to bundle them when booking a group lesson.

Is lunch included?

Full-day children's group lessons include lunch. Check other program formats individually.

Where should we go on the first morning?

Use the meeting point in your booking confirmation. Children's, adult, and private lessons have different check-in locations.

Sources

• First Time Ski and Snowboard Lessons - Northstar California Resort
• Lessons: Arrival & Preparation - Northstar California Resort
• Northstar California Ski Resort - Visit Truckee Tahoe

Image credit: Leijurv, CC BY-SA 4.0. Original image. License. Resized and responsively cropped.