2025-12-26T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow showers. Additional snow accumulations 4-8 inches west of Highway 89 including around Donner and Echo Summits. 2-5 inches for Mt Rose Highway. 1-3 inches for Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph on the ridges, 40 mph in the valleys. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Northstar Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Granlibakken Ski Resort Squaw Valley
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
A dusting of fresh powder greeted skiers this morning at Northstar California with an inch of new snowfall overnight and temperatures holding at a crisp 28°F. Northstar ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California offers over 100 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
The mountain is boasting a 25-inch snowpack—well above seasonal averages—making for smooth, groomed runs and solid base conditions across all open terrain. The Snow Water Equivalent sits at 4.6 inches, promising sustained coverage through the holiday week. With a generous 13.66 inches of snow forecasted in the next 24 hours and nearly 15 inches expected through the weekend, Northstar is primed for a powder-filled holiday stretch.
The resort is buzzing with energy this week, not just from the snowfall. Tara Schoedinger recently stepped in as the new Vice President and General Manager, bringing fresh leadership to the slopes. Families are flocking in, drawn by Northstar’s reputation as one of Lake Tahoe’s top family-friendly destinations. With Epic Passes still making skiing more accessible and local initiatives like SOS Outreach uniting parents and kids on the mountain, Northstar is not only delivering on snow but community spirit, too. Expect increasing snowfall by evening—perfect for those chasing the thrill of fresh tracks and festive alpine vibes.
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 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Northstar today?
Weather today, snow, mainly before 1pm. the snow could be heavy at times. areas of fog before 8am. areas of freezing fog between 8am and 11am. high near 34. southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Northstar this week?
Northstar is expected to receive up to 14.81" 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 a significant winter storm, with heavy new snowfall and strong 5-day forecasts centered around key resorts. The Lake Tahoe region is receiving the brunt, with Palisades Tahoe (near Squaw Valley G.C.) reporting 6–20" of new snow in the last 24 hours and up to 19" more expected. Nearby Echo Peak and Carson Pass sensors show ... Read more
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Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District 1
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