Tahoe: Northstar Ski School for Kids

Although I have gone back and forth in my head about whether it is worthwhile to invest in teaching one’s four-year old to ski, my husband and I have taken our children to Tahoe a handful of times now. The highs and lows of our experience at the Northstar resort have been driven completely by our kids’ personalities, because I don’t think there could be a more lovely ski mountain. (No offense to Palisades Tahoe, Kirkwood, or others. They are all amazing.) They also have a great new Childcare option that may appeal to many families.

Bigger kids — who are willing — can be enrolled in ski school where they will engage in age-appropriate instruction. Willingness is the key here. My daughter’s first experience there was a non-starter and I was called to pick her up within an hour. The staff is willing and able to deal with a lot of whining and, “I’m cold,” and, “I want my mommy,” but apparently we tested the limits with total refusal to put ski boots on.

But, one year later, here she is.

Ski and snowboarding lessons at Northstar are available for kids 3 or older, in full day or partial day lessons. You can choose from group or private lessons. Downhill winter sports can be really draining on the body for children (and adults). Make sure to keep your child’s temperament, energy level, and hardiness in mind. Book in advance to ensure a space as lessons can sell out quickly on peak weekends. Online reservations also tend to be less expensive. Lessons range from about $300 to $1130, and do not include lift tickets or rentals. Thankfully, if your child isn’t enjoying their time on the mountain, parents cancel a lesson prior to 48 hours of the lesson start time for a full refund. Check the website for full details.

This year, I kept my children in the same class, despite their age difference, by holding my older child back, and it served my younger one well. At the end of the day, however, I felt some regret that I had spent so much money on instruction for my son that was less than challenging.

The following day, we put the kids in ski school at Tahoe Donner, a tiny mountain, for about half the time and less than half the price.

Pro-tip: If you’re considering ski school for two kids, check the various resorts for their age groupings. Siblings may be together in some locations, but apart at others.

Plan your visit to Northstar with little kids

Website >

Getting there and Parking>

First Timers Advice>

Lessons for kids of all ages >

Childcare: Northstar has brought back its childcare option starting in 2024! Little Gems at the Northstar Village location is right in the mix for central and mountainside access. There in a warm and open homelike setting, and they offer an Infant classroom for 3mo. – 2 year olds, a Toddler classroom for 18mo. – 3 year olds and two Preschool classrooms for 3-5+ year olds. For children that are 3 years and older collaborate with Northstar Ski School to offer children enrolled in the program the ease of participating in ski lessons during the winter season. If that doesn’t work for you, UrbanSitter.com has sitters in Truckee/Incline Village.

Family-friendly alternatives to Northstar

For East Bay families looking for snowy fun without diving into formal ski instruction, consider a day trip to Soda Springs for tubing. Should you decide to click your child’s feet into a pair of skis, a coach will help you provide your child with experience on a magic carpet and a taste of actual skiing. Soda Springs is about 30 minutes closer to the Bay Area than the other major Tahoe resorts.

Related:

Dodge Ridge: Kid-friendly skiing
Weekend getaway: Tahoe’s North Shore

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