Northstar Ski Report

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Last Updated: January 6, 2026

Bluebird skies and chilly mountain air greet skiers and riders at Northstar, California this January 6, 2026. Northstar ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California offers over 100 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.



Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast

Hourly Snowfall


11"

Past 24 Hours

31.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Powder Day

Summary

With an overnight low of 25.5°F and a 31" snowpack—around 25% below average for this time of year—conditions remain firm but carvable on groomed runs. While only a dusting (0.04") is expected today, Mother Nature is setting the stage for a much-needed refresh: nearly 4.7" of snow is forecast over the next 72 hours, with another 4" expected through the 5-day outlook. The current Snow Water Equivalent sits at 7", hinting at a dense base ready to support heavier snowfall.

Despite some pre-season hiccups—including a delayed Thanksgiving opening and controversial new parking fees—Northstar is now fully operational and buzzing with winter energy. Recent headlines highlight strong local interest and family-friendly events like the Annual Skiing for Schools Fundraiser. Visitors should plan ahead, as parking changes have stirred debate and may impact early arrivals. With upgrades across several Tahoe resorts and snow on the way, now's the time to make your turns—especially before the weekend storm rolls in. Keep your edges sharp and your eyes on the forecast; winter is waking up in the Sierra.

Snowpack Percent Normal

108%

Max Recorded Snowpack

127"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

11"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

15"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

18"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

5"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

5"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Truckee #2.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from Truckee #2


Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Northstar.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Northstar


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Northstar impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


Northstar ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent mountain peaks, including Mount Pluto, Lookout Mountain, and Sawtooth Ridge. The terrain at Northstar offers a variety of mountain aspects, with slopes facing north, south, east, and west providing diverse skiing and snowboarding experiences for visitors. The highest point at Northstar is at an elevation of 8,610 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.

The resort boasts some of the best groomed runs in the area, with the Big Dipper and The Burn being popular with advanced skiers. An interesting fact about Northstar is that it was originally founded as a private ski resort for the exclusive use of a San Francisco-based club in 1972. For beginners, the beginner terrain park, Pioneer, is a great place to start. The best après ski bar is the Tavern 6330' which offers great drinks and live music.

Night Skiing

 No

Lift Count

 18 Lifts

Hourly Lift Capacity

 32500 per hour

Base Elevation

 1929 Meters

Terrain Park

 Yes

Acreage

 2904 Acres

Established

 1972

Run Count

 89 Trails

Northstar FAQ


How much snow did Northstar receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Northstar today?

Weather today, widespread freezing fog before 10am. mostly sunny, with a high near 38. north wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Northstar this week?

Northstar is expected to receive up to 4.69" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.


What are some ski resorts near Northstar?

Granlibakken Ski Resort
Squaw Valley
Tahoe Donner
Alpine Meadows Ski Area


What are ski area conditions in California like right now?

California's Sierra Nevada is seeing modest snowfall accumulation, with the heaviest recent totals centered near Palisades Tahoe, where the nearby Squaw Valley G.C. and CSS Lab sensors report 6 inches forecast through the next five days and 12" of fresh snow in the past 24 hours. Tahoma and Echo Peak also saw notable 24-hour snowfall at 7" and 4", respectively. ... Read more

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