Northstar covers 3,170 acres (1,283 hectares) on the Martis Valley side of Lake Tahoe, with 100 runs falling 2,280 ft (695 m) from 8,610 ft (2,624 m) at the summit to 6,330 ft (1,929 m) at the base. Intermediates account for 60% of the terrain, advanced runs for 20%, beginners 13% and experts 7%, which makes this one of the most cruiser-friendly mountains in the Sierra. The resort is built around wide, groomed trails across Mount Pluto and neighbouring ridges, with high-speed lifts moving skiers quickly between sectors.

Logger's Loop is the long beginner-friendly way down, while the Backside offers mile-long advanced runs, glades and bumps, with Challenger and Sierra Grande off the top. Lookout Mountain adds steeper trees, and tree skiing is available at Comstock Glade and Sawmill Glade when snow cover is good. Terrain parks are a strong suit for riders progressing through features. Northstar suits families, intermediates and park riders who value smooth corduroy and easy navigation. Experts will find limited steeps, so they are better off paired with a day at a neighbouring resort.

The 2025-26 season operated from 22 November 2025 through 5 April 2026, a 134-day window typical for the resort's mid-elevation base. Opening dates fluctuate based on early-season temperatures and snowmaking windows, with Thanksgiving weekend the traditional target. Closing typically falls in early April, though spring skiing can extend into late April during heavy snow years. The resort's cross-country centre offers an additional 35 kilometres of Nordic trails when conditions permit.

Northstar receives an average of 8.9 metres of annual snowfall, measured near the Rendezvous chair at mid-mountain. The 2025-26 season delivered 5.4 metres total, below the long-term average but supported by extensive snowmaking across 1,500 acres. Base depths commonly reach 1.5 metres by mid-winter. The Martis Valley's position north of Lake Tahoe provides consistent storm cycles from December through March, with February and March historically the deepest months. Elevation advantage at the summit helps preserve snow quality into spring.

January and February offer the most reliable powder conditions and the deepest base, though holiday crowds from Christmas through New Year and Presidents' Day weekend bring the longest lift queues. March balances strong snow totals with improving weather and longer daylight, making it ideal for families. April transforms the resort into a spring carnival atmosphere, with softening snow by midday and events like the Pond Skim marking the season's end. Weekdays from mid-January through early March provide the quietest slopes.

The season calendar includes Women's Weekend in early March with clinics and community programming, guided evening snowshoe tours throughout winter, and nightly s'mores by the village fire pits. Music performances run Friday through Sunday in the village plaza. Spring It On festival closes the season with pond skimming, costume competitions and family activities. No night skiing operates at Northstar. The resort's tubing hill and terrain parks remain priorities throughout the operating calendar, with park features refreshed regularly to maintain progression lines.