Northstar-at-Tahoe

Do You Prefer Park or Perfect Corduroy?

Mild temperatures, blue skies, and over 250 inches of snow this season alone make for some great spring skiing!  There is still plenty of time to get out and enjoy some of that soft corduroy Northstar Resort is so famous for.  The groomers strive to get at least 70% of groomable terrain groomed over night, and they have succeeded all season long.  We have extended our closing date through the end of April, weather and conditions permitting of course.  What are you waiting for?  I have heard rumors that some people are concerned about the snow conditions in April, just to clarify that is usually a great month of skiing here on the North Shore.  A guest wrote, "We have read your blog which was encouraging, but we are still a bit concerned about how much snow there is likely to be and the general conditions of the piste in mid April?"  Our base depths are still at 50" mid mountain and 100" at the summit, almost twice what we had last season.  Most likely the conditions will be spring like, a little faster in the morning and softer in the afternoon.  There is some snow in the forecast coming through this Thursday and is expected to drop a few inches.  Looking at the extended forecast, we could see another system moving in early to mid April.  I'll keep you posted when I have a more accurate forecast.

Have you put together your "Good Day Video" yet? If not you still have time, the deadline is April 15th.  Would you like to know where to find a good deal on lift tickets?  We have an array of ticket specials happening throughout April and no shortage of events I might add, so just one more reason to come on out.  Check back in a couple of days, I should have some updates for you.  Hope to see you on the hill!

Chris

Would You Like Another Helping of Snow?

Forecasts are showing another system moving into the Tahoe Region during the middle of next week and is expecting to deliver some of that wonderful white snow.  We could potentially see a couple of feet between Tuesday and Thursday next week.  Forecasts are saying we should be seeing six to twelve inches on Wednesday alone at the Summit.  I can't wait for more powder!  It has been such a great season and it is not over yet, Miracle March is most definitely delivering us another fresh helping.  I don't know if any of you have kept track of the snowfall the last 4 years but the last few years but we've seen abundant snowfall between March twentieth and the first of April, this year is looking no different.  I'll keep you posted as the storm moves closer to the region.

Would you like a helpful hint that will probably make your day on the hill a little more enjoyable? We are experiencing very cold temperatures at night and increasingly warming temperatures throughout the day, this causes variable conditions.  When the highs are in the low fifties during the day and the overnight lows are in the teens, the snow surface tends to freeze and make for some fast skiing or riding.  During the next couple of weeks, I would really recommend grabbing a grooming map, following the sun, and take the groomed trails to warm up for the day.  I advise starting on the Tahoe Zephyr Lift and take two or three runs on that side of the mountain because that is where the sun hits first.  Once your feeling a little warmed up, maybe cruise up Comstock Express and take West Ridge or Ax Handle back down to Comstock around ten in the morning.  Trust me, you'll thank me later.  After your getting back off the lift again check out Grouse Alley, it is a wide and fun run, especially when groomed overnight.  If you are feeling up to it, check out Challenger on the Backside around eleven, the skiing tends to be great in that area around that time.  From there the choice is yours, the rest of the mountain should be warming up to the sun.  Just remember with such varying temperatures to "FOLLOW THAT SUN."  Be sure to check out the video for your enjoyment, I took all the footage within the last week.  Check back soon for another update, you know where I'll be.

Chris

New Snow and More on the Way!

We received over 4 inches in the last 24 hours and 2 to 4 more inches is expected overnight. I think we might actually see a little more than 4 inches at the summit, the snow levels are supposed to drop to three thousand feet by tonight and through tomorrow.  It was definitely a great day on the hill today and if we see more snow through the weekend, then tomorrow and Sunday won't be any different. 

Don't forget Northstar is hosting it's second annual Highest Ollie Competition in front of Butterbox in the Village tomorrow at three thirty in the afternoon.  There was a great turnout last year and everyone seemed to have a great time, so if you don't have the biggest ollie to throw down, then cruise on by for some entertainment.  I cruised around today and took a few laps with the Yedi through the parks today, it was a lot of fun watching The Stash mascot hit terrain features.  Of course I carried the camera and got a few clips, so you should really check it out.  Check back really soon for updates and I hope to see all of you at Butterbox tomorrow.  See you up on the hill making turns.

Chris

We're Expecting Some Snow This Weekend

A cold front is making it's way across the Sierras and is expected to drop at least a few inches of new snow through Sunday night.  The snow levels are relatively high right now, but are expected to drop overnight so we can expect to see some of the precipitation actuall y sticking to the ground.  We've been experiencing mixed precipitation all day, rain in the Village and snow on the mountain, nothing incredibly substantial although.  This storm approaching could potentially bring a fresh foot of snow to the Northshore area of Lake Tahoe by the end of the weekend, so keep those fingers crossed.  We will be experiencing below normal temperatures for this time of the year, so if that cold front coming in retains most of it's moisture, there is a chance we'll see more snow than anticipated.  I'll keep you posted with the weather and try to update this blog tomorrow when we know whats to become of this system, so be sure to check back.

Remember if you heading up this weekend to bring a waterproof shell at least and probably some warm clothes just in case. Forecast's are saying this weekend is going to be cold and windy, just one more reason to be prepared, the skiing will primarily be spring like, but it is always better safe than sorry.  I know you've hear me say it before but, less wind hold more skiing here at Northstar Resort.  If you need a great spring jacket or just some new ski gear, I would check out  the shops in the Village, there is some great sales happening right now.  I couldn't resist some of the sales, like nice goggles under sixty dollars at Butterbox, you can't beat that.  The Brazilian Carnival is going on tomorrow, there will be five dancers in the Village putting on performances at two, three, and four in the afternoon.  After the dance performances Samba Da will be entertaining everyone with their high energy Afro-Brazilian Samba Funk Dance music.  If your up here tomorrow it is definitely a entertaining and memorable experience.  Don't miss out on the Highest Ollie Competition in Front of Butterbox on Saturday at three in the afternoon.  I'll be out there enjoying the barbecue, hanging out with friends, and throwing down some ollies, you should come join me and everyone else.  I'll try to have a video ready for you all really soon, keep checking in and as always let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.  See you on the hill!

Chris

Park Days are Great!

What better feeling is there than sliding the perfect rail or getting massive air while the sun shimmers off of the whiteness all around and soaks into your skin?  Ok, maybe taking fresh tracks in ten feet of powder without a cloud in the sky could be a better feeling than nailing that perfect trick.  I put together a little video for you, check out the sweet park line Northstar's Terrain Park Crew put together on pinball.  Fancy and Danny from Butterbox helped with the footage by throwing down a few tricks through the park.  Thanks for the help you two!  I had to throw myself in at least one clip, the park is too much fun, I couldn't resist.

If your not a big powder enthusiast or don't ride parks, we do have the best grooming in Tahoe, so come on down and take some turns on the fresh corduroy.  Our grooming team strives to get at least seventy percent of our groomable terrain groomed overnight and yes they have accomplished their goal all season long.  Want a insider tip?  We are probably going to extend our closing date through the end of April, weather and conditions permitting of course.  It looks like we might see some precipitation rolling through the Sierras early next, the accumulation is looking like mere inches although.  Don't worry I'll let you know as soon as I have more substantial information about the weather coming in.  I think April is going to be a fun month, we are planning a variety activities and events throughout the month since we are planning on extending our closing date.  Do you have any ideas for events through April?  Let me know, I'll pass them along for you.  Check back for updates, I'll try to have another blog ready sometime this weekend.  See you on the hill!

Chris

Break Out the Sunscreen....

The skies are blue, roads are clear, and temperatures are great!  What is your excuse for not hitting the slopes this week? We are expecting to see consistent temperatures throughout the week with the lows being in the 20's and the highs in the upper 40's and low 50's, great spring skiing.  Looking a little further ahead, there is potential for a little bit of precipitation this coming Monday and will linger through Wednesday as forecasts are presently showing.  This system isn't supposed to pack much of a punch, but only time will tell.  We really are only expecting mere inches from this next small and dry system, I'll give you a better idea when the storm gets a little closer.  I plan to get a video put together for all of you in the next couple of days, showing how everything is looking up here.  Check back really soon for another update and most likely a video.  Thanks and See You on the Hill!

Chris