When do your resorts open for the winter?

There is no specific height or age requirement for lift loading, but as per the responsibility code, prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. This includes the carpets.

Is childcare offered and how can I make a reservation?

Currently, there is no childcare option available at Northstar California.

Do you allow service animals?

Service animals and pets are allowed in our base area, however, neither are allowed on our ski lifts.

Do you allow dogs on the gondola?

For summer operations yes, must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted during winter.

How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?

If more than seven days before your first planned day, please call or email us; If less than seven days, please call us at 970-754-0005 to allow adquate time to make this change. If you have already arrived at your resort, or if it is the day you would like to ski, please feel free to stop by any ticket window to make your changes. All lift ticket change pricing will be for the date of request regardless of when the ticket was purchased. For example: if a ticket is purchased with advanced ticket pricing and then changed inside of 7 days of the start date, the pricing will not receive advanced ticket pricing.

Do you offer an early bird "First-Tracks" Program?

At this time Northstar will be offering Pass Holders First Tracks every Monday at 8:30am. If other First Track events are offered they can be found on the Event Calendar.

Where can I view mountain cams?

To view our mountain cams, click here.

Billing questions?

For help answering billing questions, please call our call center - 1-800-Go-North.

What winter activities do you offer?

Northstar offers ice skating and a Village tubing.

Is night skiing included in my pass or lift ticket?

There is no night skiing at Northstar California.

Is a lift ticket included in my ski lesson?

No - All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased at a discount with a group lesson package.

Where can lessons be reviewed and booked?

To view all lesson options, please click here.

I am not seeing availability online, is there a waiting list we can be added to?

We do not have a waitlist. Guests make changes/cancellations to their reservations, so continue to check the website for availability.

I need to change the date of my ski school, how can I do that?

Please give our call center a call at 1-800-Go-North.

How can I cancel my ski school?

Please give our call center a call at 1-800-Go-North. 

Do I need a reservation?

Lift tickets, rentals and lessons are inventoried products that sometimes sell out. We encourage purchasing these products in advance. Reservations are not required for skiing or riding with your Epic Pass.

I bought my pass/ticket, now what?

Passes are shipped to your home address. If you receive it in the mail, you can head straight to the lift! If you didn't receive it in the mail, head to any pass office at any of our base locations. If you have an old pass on the same account, you can reactivate the card at a ticket office. For tickets that are shipped, if purchased far enough in advance, tickets can be loaded to your previous card if you have one, or can be picked up at the ELTP (Express lift ticket pick up) line. If you need rentals, please order on line in advance or visit our rental shops.

How to check if my pass has access to specific resort?

Please go to EpicPass.com, and then to “Passes” (top left) on the Epic Pass homepage. Then click on your specific pass and scroll down to “Resort Access.” Please read carefully, as all passes provide specific access, and can have restrictions involving both resorts and active dates.

Where can Lift tickets be reviewed and purchased?

What are the Passes that have access to Northstar?

A variety of Passes include access to Northstar. Be aware that passes can have restrictions on the number of days or the dates of access. For detailed information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, go to Passes (found on the menu bar at the top of the page), and click on the specific pass you would like more information on.

Where do I buy buddy tickets/ski with a friend tickets?

The ability to purchase discounted Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets are included with certain passes, if purchased in the spring. If you have Buddy or SWAF tickets included with your pass, you can purchase the discounted lift tickets at www.EpicPass.com or at a ticket window. To avoid delays, we encourage you to purchase online. To purchase online, a Pass Holder must sign into “My Epic Account” (top right) at EpicPass.com, click on the “Passes” tab and navigate to the “Benefit Tickets” section. You can select the specific day and resort after you click on “Buy For A Buddy” or “Buy For A Friend.” Once purchased, the lift tickets must be picked by the Pass Holder at the Resort by displaying their pass. For more information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, center) then Ski With A Friend and Buddy Tickets.

Do you offer discounts for military personnel?

Do you offer professional discounts for non-Vail Resorts Ski Patrol?

Yes, we offer professional discounts for National Ski Patrol (NSP) members, along with other professional organizations, such as PSIA, CSIA, and others. NSP members can purchase one discount lift ticket per day. Discounted Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or by calling the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. You also can contact an agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com. A current NSP ID must be presented at the time of purchase.

How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?

To change or cancel a lift ticket date, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449 or go to the resort ticket window by 5 pm on the expiration date of the lift ticket. In addition, be aware that two or more day lift tickets have a range of dates of use, depending on the number of days of the ticket. For example, a two-day ticket can be used anytime within a three-day range. A three-day ticket has a five-day range of use, etc. Stop by a ticket window for more details. Also be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets could sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance. If a resort is not sold out, lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort, but not by phone. For more information, please go to Snow.com, Tickets (top, center), and then scroll down to FAQs. 

Is my pass or lift ticket transferable to my friend or family member?

No. Season Passes and Lift Tickets are non-transferable and they are assigned to an individual person. Anyone caught using another person’s Lift Ticket or Season Pass will be removed from the mountain and could face other additional penalties.

What discounts are include with my pass or lift ticket?

Can I buy lunch with my pass?

Yes! You just need to make sure you have resort charge set up. Learn more on how to set up resort charge here.

Do I get my Epic Mountain Rewards at your restaurants?

For the most part - absolutely! All of our cafeteria style restaurants on mountain offer the EMR discount (20%!) on food. Alcohol is excluded at all locations and there is limited participation among our fine dining and full service restaurants. Be sure to look HERE to see everywhere you can use this awesome pass holder discount.

Do I need a reservation to have lunch on mountain?

No! No reservations required to enjoy our convenient on-mountain cafeterias this year. Just ride until you're hungry, and then pop in.

I want to have lunch with a big group, is it okay if I save a bunch of tables?

It depends, but we, and a lot of the other guests on the mountain, would really prefer you do not save tables so that those who are looking to sit can find a place to enjoy their lunch. If you want to eat with a big group all together, we recommend trying before noon or after 1:30 PM.

Last year you told me I had to leave after 45 minutes, is that still true?

Thankfully we are in a different place than last year and required table time limits are no longer in effect. However, out of respect for other guests, we do ask you to be thoughtful and limit your time at the table, especially during peak times and holidays. Go ride!

When is the best time to eat lunch?

When you're hungry! But also, to get the most out of your day, consider dining outside of our peak hours of 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. We always recommend an early start, an early lunch (11:00 is awesome), and an early après. 

Where can I get my skis or board tuned?

Northstar Village Rental, Northstar Performance Demo, Burton, Butterbox, & True North.

Where do I search and book online or call to review my vacation plans?

Check out our lodging options across our resort portfolio here.

How do I find ski in/ski out lodging?

You can filter for ski in/ski out properties on many of our search and book pages. Select which resort you'd like to visit to search properties.

Where's the best place to stay in-resort?

Check out our recommended signature properties across our resort portfolio here.

Can I bring my pet?

Some of our properties are pet friendly. You can review the detailed information on property amenities on our resort search and book pages.

How do I get to the resort?

For directions to Northstar, parking information and transportation options, please click here.

Does the resort offer lockers? Do I need to purchase in advance? How much is a locker pass for the season?

There are limited lockers at the Lodge at big springs - works on a first come first serve basis, pay onsite at the kiosk.

Where can I park? How much does it cost?

Free parking in Village View lots or Castle peak, paid parking in village lots. Paid parking midweek is $20/$25 (paid/premium) and $40/$45 on weekends and holidays.

What time do I need to arrive for ski school?

Please arrive an hour before the start of your group lesson. For more tips and information, check out our Know Before You Go page.

Where to meet for Ski school?

What transportation options exist from the airport?

For directions to Northstar, parking information and transportation options, please click here.

What is the weather like when I arrive?

To view the latest snow and weather conditions, click here.

Where do I find the daily morning snow conditions report?

To view the latest snow and weather conditions, click here.

Located at the Pass Office.

How do I activate the card I have?

When purchasing online, you can select "have a card" while logged into your epicpass.com account, select pass number of the card you have to continue to use the card you have in your possession.

I never got my pass in the mail. Can I still go skiing?

Absolutely. All Season Passes provide access as determined by that particular pass, even if you don’t have the physical pass in hand. Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and a new pass will be issued. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.

Where do I pick up my pass?

Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and you’ll be able to pick up your pass. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guest call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.

Where do I pick up rentals?

Northstar Village Rental, Northstar Performance Demo, Burton, Butterbox, True North.

What food and beverage options are open, and what are hours of operation?

For the most up to date information on locations and hours of operations, click here. 

What are our options for on-mountain dining for lunch?

On-Mountain dining includes the Lodge at Big Springs, Zephyr Lodge and The Summit Smokehouse. Guests can also visit the Ritz Carlton via the Big Easy chairlift. 

Someone in my family has a food allergy or sensitivity, are your lodges able to accommodate them?

We strive to offer meals that suite a variety of modern lifestyle and dietary preferences, due to the nature of our menus, please ask locally during your visit. 

Do you take cash in your restaurants?

At this time, Vail Resorts does not accept cash in it's restaurants. All major cards, ApplePay, and resort-charge are accepted. 

I just want to keep skiing, do you have grab & go options?

Yes, most lodges offer snacks, protein bars, and to go sandwiches and salads to keep you fueled and on the go! 

What time do lifts close?

Lifts close at 4:00pm. Click here for more information. 

When do different sections of the mountain close?

The Backside closes at approximately 3:30pm, all other sections of the mountain close at 4:00pm. 

Why are some trails groomed and other not?

Grooming is carried out each and every night, however grooming routes change and not every run is groomed each night.

How to contact safety/ ski patrol

To contact the Northstar Ski Patrol please dial 530.562.3445

Which runs are open?

To see which runs are open please visit our Terrain Status page on our website.

Where to get a refund?

Please visit the pass and ticket office located in The Village.

Why didn't Epic Mountain Rewards apply?

The Epic Mountain Rewards discount is available at eligible Vail Resorts restaurants, lodges, rental shops, golf courses, and other businesses and activities. The discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass holder must present their eligible pass to receive the discount. For more details, Please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits, then Epic Mountain Rewards. To learn more, click here.

Where can I charge my phone?

Our lodges and restaurants are great places to charge your phone. In addition, we have free and secure mobile phone- specific charging stations on the mountain that are easy to use. Just enter a custom pin number when you place the phone in the locker and use that same pin to unlock the locker to grab your phone.

Where can I locate the mobile phone charging stations?

The locations are shown on the trail map, and are available at the following locations: The Lodge at Big Springs and Zephyr Lodge.

Where are the restrooms?

All on mountain locations have washrooms - Summit, Zephyr & Lodge at Big Springs, there are also washrooms in the village in Starbucks, gondola building, building R (near True North rental shop) in the Cinema, in the timber creek building on the lower level of the village.

Where to return rentals?

Rentals can be returned at Northstar Village Rental, Northstar Performance Demo, Burton, Butterbox, True North.

Where is the closest retail outlet?

Northstar Village host an array of retail outlets. Guests can also visit our True North location in The Ritz Carlton.

Do you sell skis/snowboards?

Yes, equipment can be purchased at True North and Butterbox.

I forgot my boots, where can I rent additional gear?

Rental gear can be found at the Village rental shop, demo shop, Ritz True North.

Where can I book dinner?

After a day on the mountain visit our Restaurants page for quick dinner options.

After a day on the mountain visit our Restaurants page for quick dinner options.

After a day on the mountain visit our Restaurants page for après ski options.

Do you provide over-night ski storage?

Yes. There is over-night locker storage at Mid Mountain Lodge at Big Springs as well as ones by the Performance Demos.