Northstar at Vail Ski Resort

Advanced · 1298 m long with 318 m of vertical, averaging 14° and 25° at its steepest, facing N.

Snow and sun

Northstar is poleward-facing: least winter sun, holds cold powder longest, can stay firm or icy.

How to get to Northstar

Lifts that reach the top: Northwoods Express Lift (skiing intermediate terrain to get there); High Noon Express Lift (skiing intermediate terrain to get there); Mountain Top Express Lift (4) (skiing intermediate terrain to get there).

From the base area (about 34 minutes, advanced skiing needed):

1. Ride Riva Bahn Gondola
2. Ski Boomer (easy)
3. Ski Flap Jack (easy)
4. Ride Northwoods Express Lift
5. Ski Sleepytime Road (intermediate)
6. Ski Timberline Catwalk (easy)
7. Ski Northstar (advanced)

Where it ends

Joins Prima Cornice, Gandy Dancer.

What people say

#1 Yup. (checking watch...) Just about time to start the 26-27 thread! Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood announce opening dates LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Vail Resorts has announced the opening dates for its three Tahoe mountains. Heavenly and Northstar are set to open for the 2026/2027 ski and ride season on November 20…
— California/Nevada - 2026-2027 Tahoe Ski Resorts/Conditions/Meetups

mber 13. As always, Mammoth notes that opening day is dependent on weather and conditions. November 20 Could Be One Of The Biggest Ski Opening Days Of The Year Things get much busier on Friday, November 20. That is currently the planned opening day for: Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Grand Tar…
— 2026–27 Ski Season Opening Dates: Every North American Date Announced So Far

20. That is currently the planned opening day for: Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Grand Targhee, Arizona Snowbowl and Solitude. That single date stretches from British Columbia to Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and California. Vail Resorts released many of its 2026–27 opening dates in August, giving ski…
— 2026–27 Ski Season Opening Dates: Every North American Date Announced So Far