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Northstar at Tahoe is a resort like no other
By: Jason Gutierrez
Description: Find out what everyone is talking about
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Posted by Jason
Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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Waking up to an overcast sky can be very depressing for some. In fact, you may want to throw the covers over your head and not get out of bed. However, when you’re waking up to wispy gray clouds while visiting Northstar-At-Tahoe Resort, depression is far from any emotion you’ll be feeling. With pillows of freshly fallen snow resting on your window ledge, evergreens and the rest of nature, a warm fire flickering in your fireplace and a Starbucks just a stone’s throw from your luxurious condo at Northstar’s Village, a perfect scene for the perfect winter getaway is set.
The Village
The Village at Northstar is a breathtaking sight. Its magnificent architecture, towering above the snow-covered ground in the winter while illuminated by the warm glow of soft light, is a vision of serenity. This month, The Village celebrates its first year of being open. Phase One of The Village features comfortable condo style living for a quick weekend getaway or longer. While staying at Northstar, you could quite possibly forget that you’re not at home. Each condo features two or more bedrooms, and a spacious, fully stocked kitchen.
The first phase of The Village at Northstar includes three buildings and 60,000 feet of commercial space featuring clothing stores specializing in skiing and snow boarding apparel.
Some of the fashionable brand names found within The Village include: The North Face, which sells quality and durable clothing for all sorts of outdoor activities; Butterbox, which features hip-urban influenced styles which generally bring in the younger boarders. But some of the most unique shops aren’t all that flashy. The modern and sleek styles of Helly Hansen, a company that is known worldwide for quality and endurance has excellent clothing at even more outstanding prices. If you’re not looking for snow apparel you’ll want to browse through the many gift and accessory shops in The Village.
After a full day of shopping, activities and sightseeing you’ll be resting inside either Iron Horse North or South, each housing 72 condominiums – all part of Phase One. Also available is the Great Bear Lodge, which includes 28 luxurious condominiums.
Guests of the resort will also find enjoyment centered around the Village Plaza, home to live music, ice-skating and a nice variety of restaurants and cafes. Northstar isn’t just a place to have fun; it’s a way of life.
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And don’t think we forgot to feed you. Northstar’s Village has cafes and eateries such as the fine dining found at Timbercreek Restaurant and Bar, the hunger-hitting Big Wave Burritos and Wraps and of course world famous Starbucks. But if a comfortable take home deli-style meal in the comfort of your condominium sounds like the perfect solution to the end of an active day, try stopping by Earthly Delights Deli. This deli is a favorite among guests and locals. It features deli-style foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while also carrying high-end products and sundries. It even has a nice selection of wines – and everything is healthy.
Currently while you’re visiting, you can’t help but notice the daytime construction of Phase Two which will include an additional 93 condominiums and 40,000 square feet of retail space. If all goes as planned this new addition will be open by spring 2007.
You might even be surprised after logging on to www.northstarattahoe.com for some fascinating specials, which combine accommodations with skiing or boarding lessons, and shopping too. So what are you waiting for? Check it out now.
Northstar Tidbits
Check this out. Northstar is preparing for a new high-end property — The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe broke ground in summer 2006. This $300 million resort will be Lake Tahoe’s first five-star luxury hotel and will include 173 rooms, a world-class spa, several pools, and on-site meeting and event space. These amenities will be connected by a new gondola to the Village at Northstar condominium residences, shops, restaurants and ice rink. The property will be located mid-mountain at The Highlands, a new on-mountain residential community set amidst Northstar Resort. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2009.
While the snow has covered much of the vegetation, Northstar is still Green.
The resort maintains its award-winning environmental reputation with the continued development of the Village at Northstar located at the base of the mountain. A former ‘WRAP of the Year’ (Waste Reduction Awards Program) and NSAA Silver Eagle award winner, the resort continues its environmental commitment by teaming with East West Partners, also a WRAP award recipient, to create the first ‘Green Village’ at a U.S. ski resort. Northstar Resort and East West Partners have constructed the new Village at Northstar using guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is a coveted designation and one that Northstar Resort and East West Partners are proud to achieve.
It’s easy getting lost in the winter wonderland that can be found at Northstar, and after your first visit you’ll be ready to plan your return. Hopefully each time you drink a warm cup of coffee or cocoa in the morning you’ll be instantly whisked away to fond
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memories of Northstar. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or creating a special romantic getaway, slipping away into the ease of living at Northstar will be a decision you’ll be glad you made.
Cutting Through The Slopes
By Ginny Cowenhoven
Logger’s Loop is the Northstar’s longest run measuring 1.3 miles. Since January 2001, the mountain has opened 13 advanced runs on the back side. The average annual snowfall is 350 inches and the average daytime temperature from November to April is 43 degrees. At night, the average temperature is 21 degrees.
New to the mountain this year is the new 6-pack express lift and Tahoe Zephyr Express, a bigger snowmaking system. Northstar is proud to say it has the largest snowmaking system of any resort on the North Shore. Although it’s cold outside, and your face is freezing, don’t think you can’t get sunburned. It’s a good thing some of the ski shops on site sell sunblock brands you can count on. Beyond Coastal offers all-natural sun care products available in Active Daily SPF 30, Daily Sun Care SPF 15 and Z-Cote® Lip Balm SPF 15. Beyond Coastal hopes that their products’ affordable price for its high value ingredients will make it accessible to everyone and help change the perception of healthy skin.
The mountain boasts various levels of terrain on its 79 trails with the longest trail running 1.3 miles. There are six different mountains for the various level skier or rider. Mt. Pluto is known for its groomed runs and views of Lake Tahoe. The terrain park hosts rails, boxes and jibs for those interested in freestyle skiing. The back side consists of seven one mile runs for the advanced. Lookout Mountain also consists of advanced terrain with its fabulous views of the valley. The Northwest Territory is ideal for low intermediates and is a great spot for training while the Village area at the lower part of the mountain is useful to the beginner. In addition to the downhill terrain, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available.
If you’ve got an adventurous spirit or just know what you’re doing, Northstar’s Parks and Pipes are where you should spend your time when visiting. Expertly crafted freestyle terrain can be found loaded with an assortment of jumps, hips, rails and boxes along with a 420-foot super pipe, which has been ranked in TransWorld Snowboarding’s top ten half pipes in North America for the past three years. The resort is also excited to announce the newest addition to our mountain, The Stash. The Stash is a new kind of run developed by Jake Burton, Burton team riders and Snow Park Technologies. The first run of its kind, it is a place where riders can progress their all-mountain skills in a fun, natural environment that features tree runs, road jumps and jibs all constructed with wood logs and other natural materials.
Now if you’re new to snow sports or are adventuring into your first time, don’t worry, Northstar has you covered. On-site lessons for beginners are available through child or adult snow school. If you’re a little bit on the shy side you might want to check into private lessons.