Activity Northstar, Truckee
Northstar California
An activity in Northstar, Truckee, a splurge ($$$$) and worth most of a day (about 6 hours). Best time to go: Morning.
Why go
Family-friendly ski resort south of Truckee, with long groomed runs and an outdoor ice rink in its village.
It is one of 8 curated places we feature in Truckee, alongside 2 activities, 2 sights and 1 place to eat. The closest of our other picks is Truckee Depot, 5.5 mi away as the crow flies. Set aside most of a day (about 6 hours) here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.
- Type
- Activity · Adventure
- Neighborhood
- Northstar
- Price
- $$$$
- Time needed
- 6 hr
- Best time
- Morning
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 2 beyond Truckee. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Truckee Depot
Downtown train depot where Amtrak's California Zephyr stops, with a visitor center and a caboose outside.
Sight · 5.5 mi straight-line - 2Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats
Downtown restaurant and bar in the Truckee Hotel building, with live music most nights.
Food · 5.5 mi straight-line - 3The Truckee Hotel
Victorian-era hotel in downtown Truckee, steps from the depot and Commercial Row.
Stay · 5.5 mi straight-line - 4Fanny Bridge
Bridge in Tahoe City over the Truckee River where it leaves Lake Tahoe, beside the dam that regulates the lake's level.
Sight · Tahoe City & Palisades · 6.8 mi straight-line - 5Bridgetender Tavern & Grill
Long-running Tahoe City tavern next to Fanny Bridge, known for burgers and a patio over the Truckee River.
Drinks · Tahoe City & Palisades · 6.8 mi straight-line - 6Donner Memorial State Park
Park at the east end of Donner Lake with the Pioneer Monument and a museum on the Donner Party and the railroad.
Sight · 7.3 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Northstar California is a stop on our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More things to do in Truckee
2 more curated activities in Truckee. See the full Truckee guide.
When to go
Average daily highs in Truckee run from 36°F in December to 85°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For Northstar California itself, we suggest: Morning.
Modelled monthly averages for Truckee from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Truckee weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Northstar California, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 39.26400, -120.12500
- Destination
- Truckee, California
- Website
- northstarcalifornia.com
Northstar California: quick answers
How much time do you need at Northstar California?
Plan on most of a day (about 6 hours) at Northstar California. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Northstar California?
Our pick: Morning. Insider tip: Skate at the village rink after the lifts close.
Which TripsCircle routes include Northstar California?
Northstar California appears on South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Northstar California to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Truckee.
Plan Truckee
- Truckee travel guide 8 places
- Best time to visit Truckee weather by month
- Tahoe City & Palisades to Truckee 13 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Truckee
- Donner Lake Outdoors
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.