Northstar with non-skiers: a two-day split itinerary

For a mixed group at Northstar, plan one day around the Village and one around the north shore. Skiers can head to the mountain while non-skiers choose their own outing, then everyone can meet for dinner. Adjust the activities to the season and check opening hours before making reservations.

Day one: stay around Northstar

Start with coffee, shops, or a meal in the Village. Choose a meeting place and time for anyone coming down from the mountain. Check the current dining and retail hours before setting off.

In summer, Northstar's 18-hole golf course is an option for golfers. The Robert Muir Graves course accepts tee-time bookings online or by phone up to 60 days ahead; confirm availability and rates for your dates.

Guests at the Northstar home have direct access to Tompkins Trail for a walk or bike ride. Check surface conditions and follow the resort's signs: some trails are reserved for hiking and others for biking.

A scenic chairlift ride is another option when the lifts are operating. Check the day's schedule and ticket requirements. For dinner, see our Northstar restaurant guide.

Day two: choose a north-shore stop

Spend the day at one beach or lakeside base rather than driving between several stops. North Tahoe Beach has sand, grass, picnic tables, and volleyball. Kings Beach State Recreation Area is another option, while Speedboat Beach is smaller and rocky.

Check parking rules, seasonal services, and the current driving route before leaving. Summer traffic and winter weather can lengthen the trip. Our North Shore guide covers more shoreline options.

If you plan to use transit, check both the outbound and return journeys. TART's scheduled buses and TART Connect have different routes, zones, and service hours. Verify the dated schedule instead of assuming on-demand service covers the whole day.

Adapt the plan for winter

Village ice skating, tubing, snow play, and snowshoe outings depend on the resort's operating schedule and events calendar. Check what is running during your stay and reserve ticketed activities before the group separates for the day.

Confirm the Cross-Country Center's current status directly with Northstar before planning Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking there. An older activity listing does not establish that it is operating for your dates.

If weather changes the plan, check Village dining and retail hours, or stay at the house for a movie, games, and a shared meal. The skiers in your group can use our nearby ski resort guide for their planning.

A house for both parts of the group

The Northstar home sleeps up to 22 guests across seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. It backs onto the golf course, with mountain and fairway views from the deck and direct access to Tompkins Trail.

The hot tub, gas fireplace, radiant floors, game room, and media room with projector offer options after the day's outing. A full kitchen with a double oven and wine fridge supports dinner at the house.

Quick answers

Does Northstar work for non-skiers?

Yes. Plan around the season: golf, trails, Village visits, and scenic lifts in summer; skating and other scheduled snow activities in winter.

Can guests walk directly from the house?

The property connects to Tompkins Trail. Check the surface, weather, and route before heading out.

Is the Cross-Country Center open?

Check Northstar's current hours page for your travel dates before including it in the itinerary.

Can TART Connect replace a car for a beach day?

Only if its current zones and service hours cover your full plan. Check scheduled buses as well as on-demand service, including the return trip.

Sources

• Northstar Summer Fun — Northstar California Resort
• Sightseeing Spots in North Lake Tahoe — Northstar California Resort
• Hours of Operation — Northstar California Resort
• Nordic Skiing — Visit Truckee-Tahoe
• TART Connect zones and times — Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit