Northstar has a little bit of everything for all experience levels, but it’s redeeming qualities are definitely the terrain park and consistent access to insane tree lines. There are three parts to the mountain - The Backside, Mt. Pluto, and Lookout Mountain. The gondola from the village will take you to mid-station. From there, the world is your oyster, my friend. If you nervous about unfamiliar terrain, here's a breakdown of the mountain and the best runs based on ability level. 

 

BEGINNERS

Route 1 - Novice 

Lift: Arrow Express

Run: Lumberjack --> Easy Street

Route 2 - Progression

Lift: Vista Express

Run: Skid Trail --> Lumberjack --> Easy Street

Route 3 - Take It Up a Notch

Lift: Arrow Express --> Comstock Express 

Run: West Ridge --> Luggi's --> Lumberjack --> Easy Street

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INTERMEDIATE

Route 1 - Get Your Mountain Legs Back

Lift: Vista Express 

Run: Sidewinder 

Route 2 - Feelin' Good

Lift: Tahoe Zephyr Express

Run: Upper Pioneer --> Deerskin 

Route 3 - Outta My Way

Lift: Tahoe Zephyr Express --> Lookout Link (T-Bar)

Run: Upper Martis --> Washoe 

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ADVANCED

Route 1 - Get It

Lift: Arrow Express --> Comstock Express

Run: Sierre Grande --> Challenger --> Lower Burnout

Route 2 - For The Love of Diamonds

Lift: Backside Express

Run: Any backside run (Moguls: The Rapids)

Route 3 - Need For Speed

Lift: Martis Camp Express 

Run: Any and all - get stoked!

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For the best all around lift, the winner is Vista Express. It gives you access to every type of terrain: green, blue, black, and terrain park. Runs like Logger's Loop and Drop Off tend to be less crowded than other parts the mountain. The best insider tip for your last run? We thought you'd never ask! Take Vista Express up and drop down Logger's Loop to The Woods. We call it Narnia because you feel like you are in another world - especially on a powder day! 

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Pro Tip: Download the Epic Mix app on your phone before you go. Sign in with the e-mail your tickets/pass is registered with and it will track any day you are on the mountain. It's helpful for those that like to get the most out of the day by giving you lift status' and wait times for each chairlift - you can have a plan of attack for conquering the mountain! It will also track your vertical feet and # of runs you did for the day. Another useful attribute - seeing your location on a run. Did your friends just call saying they are meeting at Zephyr for lunch? Open the app to see what run you need to cut across to make it to the chairlift that will take you there in time to 'clink' the first round of drinks!

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