2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet for Lake Tahoe communities with 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 100 mph along the highest ridges and up to 50 mph in the lower elevations and on Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel and outdoor recreation could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact commutes Wednesday and Christmas Day. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start at 7000 to 8000 feet Tuesday night then lower below 6500 feet Wednesday evening. Heavy rain below 7000 feet Tuesday night and Wednesday could lead to ponding of water on roads and minor flood impacts.
Northstar Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Granlibakken Ski Resort Squaw Valley
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve at Northstar, California brings promising news for powder hounds. Northstar ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California offers over 100 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
While the base snowpack is currently only 1 inch—down a staggering 94% from average—change is in the air. A powerful storm system is rolling in with 11.6 inches of fresh snow expected in the next 24 hours and over 61 inches forecasted in the next 72 hours. This could revitalize the terrain just in time for the holiday crowds. Overnight temps held steady at a mild 37.6°F, but colder air is expected to follow the storm, setting up ideal conditions for snowmaking and natural accumulation.
On the slopes and off, Northstar is buzzing. Tara Schoedinger takes the helm as Vice President & General Manager, bringing new energy to the resort. Families can look forward to expanded programming, as Northstar unites with SOS Outreach to bring local parents to the mountain for the first time. While critics note the rising cost of Tahoe skiing, Northstar remains a top pick for family-friendly fun. With over five feet of snow in the five-day forecast and a refreshed leadership team, this holiday week could mark a dramatic turnaround for the season. Stay tuned—and stay stoked.
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, rain before 7am, then rain and snow. snow level 6900 feet lowering to 6200 feet in the afternoon . high near 41. south wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Northstar this week?
Northstar is expected to receive up to 62.37" 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?
Nationwide, skiers and snowboarders are eyeing the latest snowfall reports and forecasts as resorts prepare for a fresh dusting. In Washington State, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, with a base depth of 170 inches. While not a ski resort, the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort will surely benefit from this snowfall, ... Read more
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Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District 1
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