Northstar – a Gem Discovered
One chair of the Liebman Mob
The 2025-2026 ski season will be remembered for its lack of snow all throughout the Rockies and Sierras. At the end of January, SnoCountry’s ski reports showed many ski areas with bases of around 20 inches. When I was in college back in the 60s, we called these conditions “fast grass.”
So, it was with great trepidation that three generations of Liebmans ventured out onto the slopes at Northstar in late January, early February. The reported base ran from 30+ to over 50 inches with temps in the upper 30s! However, despite the lack of snow, 100% of Northstar’s trails were reported open.
Forests line Northstar’s trails which prevents the sun from shining directly on the runs all day. Despite the below-freezing temperatures and night and the warm temps during the day, there was very little really hard snow. The mountain manager deserves a medal for the way the runs were groomed
We all thought the conditions were great. For the record, the “we” totaled nine and included boarders and skiers ranging from 14 to 80. Ability ranged from one beginner to those of us who have been skiing for decades.
Northstar is very easy to get around. We moved easily from The Backside where the expert runs will keep the best recreational skiers entertained. Like the rest of the runs on the mountain, they were long, undulating, and had changes in pitch and angle that forced one to pay attention. A strong advanced intermediate skier could handle them if he/she so desired.
The most difficult terrain was in the Northwest Territory. The runs are steep and narrow. From the top of the Martis Camp Express, one can ski down a fun run – Deerskin – to the Tahoe Zephyr Express to bring you back to the heart of the mountain.
Getting from Backside to Mount Pluto was simple. Ride up either Backside Express or Promised Land Express and then ski down to the Comstock Express. This opens up a nirvana of blues that will keep experts and intermediates entertained for days. Ski any of these runs non-stop, and your thighs will be talking to you. Yes, they’re that long.
Chair lifts. All had safety bars, and most, but not all, had footrests. At my age, not having the weight of skis, boots, and bindings pulling down on my 80-year-old knees is a blessing.
Bathrooms. At both the Lodge at Big Springs and Zephyr, the bathrooms were either on the entry level or there was an elevator available. Blessings on you, Northstar!
Food on the mountain. There was variety at both lodges and the prices were typical for a ski area and tasty. $29 bought me a cheeseburger, fries, and a bottle of water.
Lift tickets. Northstar is an Epic area.
We’re planning to come back to Northstar either this season or next so that tells you a lot about whether or not we liked Northstar. Pray for more snow, lots of it!!!
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Nice write up! I’ve never skied there but will add it to my bucket list.
Nice review and video! I will be skiing there and the other Vail Sierra resort in early March. So much great terrain for this strong intermediate skier. Looking forward to it. Will be the third season in a row.
Great article Marc!
On the negative side – I live in Northstar and ski 60 plus days a year at NS.
Safety is not the most important principle. Safety, fun, learn.
1. Mountain Safety – was 12 people, now is only 5 – Signage, etc less as a result- lots of people on lower slopes “learning to ski / ride” first time up. (one ms person per every 2000-2500 skiers)
2. Not all trails are groomed each night. Cost cutting measure.
3. Sun and Mon nights are amateur groomer nights – grooming is really poor!!
4. Vista lift services the Terrain Parks – Snow Boarders are usually unruly, crowd in lines, and out of control.
5. Rocks and objects are not marked in general…. safety issues – be careful
6. On backside – some people like to straight line it – major safety issue – too fast and out of control, can’t stop or avoid others due to speed.
7. On grooming – be aware of slopes that are corduroy – ie properly groomed and those that are “gravel” groomed – Skis are not meant to edge on gravel. High danger for skiers making turns and not getting edge traction.
8. On Sat and Sun, skier density is very high – dodging people is common.
9. Friday is becoming the new Sat.
On the positive side, Northstar is a great place to ski.