Northstar-at-Tahoe

Is This For Real????

Over 45 inches fell on Northstar within the past few days and it is still dropping that wonderful whiteness everywhere!  Our season snowfall total has now breached the 100” mark and it is only Mid-December.  I love this stuff!  Tomorrow will be, “the blue bird day of the year,” so far of course.  You can expect the entire mountain scene to be one of those picture perfect days!  You got to head over to Lookout Mountain and check out the Sugar Pine Glade, it was too much fun today!  They weren’t able to get the far side of Lookout open today, but tomorrow will most likely be a whole different story.  There should be plenty of freshies over that way, if you dip into the trees over there, remember it is expert tree skiing. 

We are expecting another weather system to arrive Tuesday and Wednesday; I really hope it never stops!  Tomorrow is the day for your, “get out of work excuse,” ah heck, just see if the boss will come rip some turns with you.

Talk to you soon,

Chris

2,3, Maybe 4 Feet

15” of freshies is what we woke up to here at Northstar this morning, and this is merely the beginning!  The biggest part of this system is going to really hit us later this afternoon with accumulation totals potentially reaching 3 to 4 feet by tomorrow, and then lingering storm activity through the week.  Aaahhh, what a wonderful start to this season!

This storm is warmer than the storm we saw last week blanket the region, it is carrying more precipitation, so you can expect some heavier powder.  We will have an incredible base by tomorrow if everything pans out, you’ll find me in some of the gladed tree areas of Lookout Mountain.  Did I say Lookout?  Yep, Lookout Mountain officially opened today, and it is only December 12, 2009!  Have you checked out our Interactive Trail Map?  You can upload your Northstar videos to the map and share them with anyone who has access to the internet.  This is a really cool feature; I uploaded some first person videos last season you can check out.  I really want to see your video! 

Right now we have 14 lifts turning and 48 trails open, with more opening throughout the day!  Stay up to date with the trail and lift status.  I hope your reading this on your phone while strapping on those boots and getting ready to take first tracks on Lookout!  If work or something else is keeping you from heading up this way today, you still can get your freshies tomorrow and the next day.  I need to head up for some fresh turns, I’ll let you know how it is out there.

Talk to you soon,

Chris

A Dark Cloud Moves Into Tahoe!!!!!

Some are saying snow, some are saying no.  You can expect to start seeing the snow fly tomorrow, and then the biggest punch of precipitation should make its way into our region late Friday night through Saturday.  In all, we will be experiencing significant snowfall Friday and Saturday.  This one could easily be the biggest early season storm we have seen in a long long time!  Predictions are still vague in regards to accumulation totals throughout next week.   We are definitely going to see one very white Christmas here at Northstar; hopefully you are planning on coming out tonight to join us for Noel Nights.  I always recommend checking out the Road Conditions, if you are skeptical the reports are not up to the minute, a good backup is the California Highway Cams.

I included some video of the new Highlands Gondola along with a slide show of pictures from the last storm.  The Ritz Carlton is nothing short of amazing!  You got to check it out for yourself.  If this next system hits us like it is supposed to, I would be confident to say the entire mountain will be open by Christmas!  Don’t forget about our Learn more on the North Shore this weekend, $25 will get you a 2 and ½ hour less, rental equipment, and a lift ticket for beginner terrain.  We already have 59 inches of snow and it is only December 10, 2009!  How much are we going to get this season?

Hope You Get Some Powder Turns!

Chris

Early Blue Bird Powder Days!

Over 3 feet of fresh, light powder fell on Northstar from the last storm and another weather system is hot on its heels.  The snow conditions and mountain itself was nothing short of, “Magical” yesterday.  Today is supposed to be another clear and sunny blue bird powder day, then increasing clouds will form and the snow will be flying again.  You can expect the heaviest precipitation this weekend!  The storm originally was projected to be warmer than now forecasted, which means the snow totals will rise as the temperature drops.  We could potentially be riding the trees at Lookout Mountain here very soon, I’m talking before Christmas! 

 

Do you believe the winter forecasting by the Farmer’s Almanac?  I am expecting to see record breaking snowfall this season; I know some of you are with me, especially looking at your season snowfall guesses.  What is your guess?  The Ritz Carlton just opened today and our new lift the Highlands Gondola is turning as well!  What and where is the Highlands Gondola?  If you are a Northstar Patron then you probably know about our ski to your car run called, “Homerun.”  Heres you tip; start your day early by parking in Lot B or as close as you can get to the Highlands Gondola.  Make sure you have your Season Pass or pre-printed tickets ready; from there you have a short walk to start your day.  And yes, you can ski right back down to your car when you’re finished.  I strongly recommend getting there as early as possible, because you won’t be the only one trying to get that prime parking spot.

I’m going to head on up the hill; I’ll have some more scenic view for you here by the end of the day.

Hope you get in a few turns,

Chris

Ready, Set, Go........

Tap you feet, shake it to the beat, here comes a powder streak!  Bone chilling temperatures have made their way in the Tahoe Region, followed by a weather system expected to drop multiple feet of snow by Friday!  You’ll notice the skies becoming increasingly cloudy today, and then like a knockout punch, snow will start falling rapidly  this afternoon and through tomorrow.  You can anticipate 2 to 3 feet by Monday night, with another storm right on it’s heals expected to show it’s face on Wednesday.  Check out the weather conditions for the latest and most up to date information.

 

 

Today was our opening day last season with only 3 lifts turning 4 trails, check out the difference in Mother Nature’s attitude so far this year.  A world of difference!  As of right now, we are open "top to bottom and front to back," with 10 lifts turning and 15 trails.  On top of that, the Terrain Park is already at Base Camp(which is Pinball), and the trail coverage between this season and last is like, “Night and Day!”  If this weather rolls in like predicted, I foresee Lookout Mountain opening very soon.  I’ve worked here for 6 years and have not seen Lookout open before Christmas, this season I would bet we are skiing over there by December 20^th, maybe earlier. 

What are your season snowfall total predictions?  I guessed 470 inches, our annual average is only 350 inches.  Last season we reached the 401 mark.  I plan on giving a lift ticket for next season to the person who guesses the closest on closing day.  What is your prediction?

Freshies Are Near!

Chris

Old Man Winter Expected To Spread The Holiday Cheer!

Snow is forecasted late this morning and could potentially snow throughout the week with significant accumulation.  On top of the storms, the cold temperatures have been cooperating, allow us to make snow like there is no tomorrow.  Today we are officially open top to bottom, and front to back with the grand opening of the Backside and Tahoe Zephyr Express Chairlifts!  Oh yeah……

My suggestion for skiing and riding the next few days is to start on the Tahoe Zephyr Express Chairlift and rip down Pioneer a couple of times.  After that, cruise over to Burnout on The Backside, and take a few laps back there, then I would definitely recommend the Taco Bar at the Summit for lunch.  If you like the Terrain Parks as much as I do then head over to Pinball and check out the new line of features.  I took the picture of The Village at Northstar early this morning.

 

Have you brought a friend or family member for the Learn to Ski or Ride Package for only $25?  Did you get a chance to check out Northstar’s annual Noel Nights?  Pray for snow!  This storm coming in is likely to bring us powder days throughout the week!

See you on the hill,

Chris

Old Man Winter Is Coming Back!

Once again, the weather forecast is becoming more and more favorable!  We are anticipating cooler temperatures and more moisture than originally predicted.  There is a potential for snow all throughout next week, how much accumulation is still to tell.  Our Weatherman, B.A has a great weather forecast if you want the full enchilada.  

 

Have you heared the rumor?  The opening of Backside Express and Tahoe Zephry is looking very promising for Saturday!  Weather and conditions permitting of course.  I’ll have another more in-depth update for you later, I got to head our for a few laps first.

Hope to see you out there!

Chris

I Love Mother Nature's Attitude!

5” of freshies blanketed Northstar Resort Friday night, and the cold air is definitely following!  The cold trend is supposed to continue throughout the week, allowing us to crank the snow guns on high voltage.  Last night our entire Snowmaking Team was out in full force and blowing snow on 12 different trails.  We are expecting to be opening more terrain, nearly every day!  We reported 10 trails this morning and we are anticipating opening 2 additional trails throughout the day.  Yes, that trend is supposed to continue all week long!

Are you new to the sport?  We are offering an unbeatable deal for first time skiers and riders over the age of 13 including an all-day lift ticket accessing beginner terrain, rental equipment, and a 2 and ½ hour less for only $25!  This deal is valid Monday through Friday until December 18th, and valid Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th.  What a perfect time to bring family and friends up to learn the sport and share your passion.

For all you Double Whammy Passholders, Sierra-at-Tahoe’s grand opening is this Friday!  Weather and Conditions Permitting.  Old Man Winter definitely rocked Sierra with 21 inches of snow this weekend. 

If you haven’t brought the family or that special someone to Noel Nights taking place on the first 3 Thursdays in December, this is the year.  The Village at Northstar is nothing short of luminescent and full of Holiday Cheer!  Have you checked out Northstar in the rankings among other Ski Resorts?  My colleague this season is Leah, she will be talking to you when I’m not around.  She is also a snowboarder and has been in the Tahoe area for a long while, so don't worry, she will give you the good word.

Enjoy The Snow!

Chris

Snow On The Way!

The forecast has become more robust than orginally anticipated.  A low pressure is making its way into Northern California, the snow should be falling late this morning and through tomorrow!  We are expected to see 3 to 6 inches throughout the day and around the foot mark tomorrow, give or take a couple of inches.  I’m loving the start to this winter!  It is 8:30am on the radar below, all the blue is snow that should start falling any minute.   

 

We offficially are open top to bottom with the Comstock Express lift opening today, giving us over 2,200 vertical feet of terrain!  Honestly, the snow coverage on West Ridge might be a little dicey today, I don’t want to tell you it is the groomer’s choice or anything.  You shouldn’t have any trouble getting down, just be prepared for a couple of small obstacles.  I would imagine the skiing over there will be drastically better by tomorrow and Sunday.  Temperatures are looking very cooperative next week, allowing us to pump more snow than anyone on the North Shore!  You do know we have the biggest snowmaking fleet on the North Shore, right?  Have you ever checked out the History of Northstar?  I’ll keep you updated on this weather coming in.  Be sure check back for updates, you can also subscribe to the blog for immediate posting notifications.

Keep On Snowing!

Chris

Opening More Terrain!

I just heard the official word, we will be open top to bottom Friday!  It looks like Mother Nature is going to be cooperative and give us cold enough temperatures to keep on pumping the guns at full throttle.  With the opening of Comstock Express Lift, we will now be offering over 2,200 feet of beginner and intermediate terrain.  I haven’t seen comstock open before December in the 7 years I’ve been riding Northstar,  pretty flippin sweet!  In all honesty, I wouldn’t say the coverage is going to excellent down West Ridge and Luggi’s trails on Friday, but another night of snowmaking could easily change that for Saturday morning.  If you haven’t been skiing or riding yet, I’m sure you’ll be feeling the burn by the time you make it to The Village from the top.  I recommend getting those legs going on some great groomer runs, so you’ll be in shape when that first powder dump hits.    

 

I’ve made it a time honored tradition for myself to always find a way to work up my Thanksgiving appetite.  Unfortunately I’ve had to find things like hiking, walking, but this year like a few fortunate  others I will be getting my turkey craving from carving on the mountain.  Put that turkey in the oven for a few hours and come enjoy the slopes! 

 

Enjoy The Holidays!

 

Chris

Opening Weekend Is A Huge Success!

Sure enough, the positive vibe was definitely long-lived through weekend!  Everyone seemed so stoked to have their boots strapped on their feet once again, making a few turns, a couple of friendly laughs, and all in general a good time.  We are opening more terrain daily, so keep checking the trail and lift status for updated information.  It is still looking promising for a Thursday Comstock opening, if the temperatures permit, so keep your fingers crossed.  You can subscribe to the feed of this blog , you will receive notification when I post a new one if you do so.  Still have any estimates for our annual snowfall this season?  Enjoy the video, you’ll get an idea of how things are looking here at Northstar. 

Talk to you in a couple days!

Chris