We visited Northstar a couple of times and on both occasions found it to be very enjoyable. Our first visit was spectacularly well timed on the day voted best ski conditions of the 01/02 season at Tahoe ... deep powder and bluebird sunny skies.

Northstar seems to pitch itself as a fun friends and family type resort, with its pristine village base, immaculately groomed slopes, and relaxed mountain lodges. All credit to the place, from what we saw it was commendably run and we were well looked after.

For those looking for a bit of serious skiing and boarding action, Northstar has that as well. Some of the terrain on the backside of the mountain is worthy of off-piste exploration, and the newly opened Lookout Mountain has some excellent steep powder tree runs which will get the adrenaline pumping.

All in all, Northstar proved to be one of our favourite Tahoe resorts. An additional bonus is that it's one of the most accessible resorts from the San Francisco Bay area just off the Interstate 80.