California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains are prized as one of the best skiing destinations in the country, with the Tahoe area being the crown jewel of the range. The peaks ringing the famously blue Lake Tahoe boast 14 ski resorts ranging from two-chairlift ski hills to multi-mountain institutions.
Northstar California Resort covers more than 3,100 acres in the beautiful Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe. It’s situated right off CA-267 roughly halfway between downtown Truckee and the small town of Kings Beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe. As part of the Vail Resorts conglomerate, Northstar is the only North Lake destination for Epic Pass holders.
Northstar attracts a wide variety of skiers and snowboarders for its generally moderate terrain. The ski school and ample beginner-friendly groomed runs make Northstar a favorite for families and casual riders. The bulk of the groomed runs land in the intermediate range (60 percent of Northstar’s total terrain) with a solid collection of advanced runs (27 percent). The resort is serviced by 20 chairlifts and includes seven terrain parks.
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Northstar is well-known for its excellent Village with a thriving après ski restaurant and bar scene, an outdoor ice skating rink, and lodging options ranging from cozy to ultra-luxurious.
At Northstar, there are plenty of shops where you can rent ski and snowboard equipment. Epic Mountain Rentals provides the easiest, most convenient way to get your gear. Many locations are near lifts, and you’ll have access to a range of services, such as gear storage. Choose from Sport, Performance, Demo, and Junior packages to suit your ability levels and interests. Here’s a rundown of rental services available at various shops:
<<Epic Pass holders can save an extra 20 percent on their equipment rentals at Northstar.>>
Northstar Village Demo Shop
Situated in Northstar Village, the Demo Shop is fully equipped with skis, snowboards, and related accessories. Since this is a demo shop, you can test drive top-of-the-line skis and snowboards and apply the demo fee towards your purchase after you’re sure you’ve made the perfect choice. When renting here, you’ll have easy access to the gondola so you can get to the lifts right away. It’s also one of the shops nearest the ski school, so it’s an excellent option for beginners or anyone else taking a lesson. For your convenience, the Demo Shop also offers day storage for boots or shoes, as well as a basket day storage. If you forget to pack any essentials for your day on the mountain, you can also pick up last-minute items in the retail section of the shop.
© Vail Resorts
Northstar Village Rentals
Northstar Village Rentals is one of the most convenient places to rent skis and snowboards at the resort, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s one of the three Northstar shops closest to the ski school meet-up location. It’s also situated right on the Northstar gondola lines and offers shoe storage during the day so you can keep things in one place.
Butterbox Snowboard Shop
Snowboarders: look no further for all your rental and retail needs at Northstar. Conveniently located in Northstar Village by the gondola lines, Butterbox Snowboard Shop boasts a vast inventory of the newest snowboards and equipment from an array of brands. This is another excellent spot to reserve your demos through Epic Mountain Rentals. This allows you to test out a snowboard before you buy, so you’ll have total confidence in your purchase. Take advantage of their day shoe storage and overnight ski storage, as well as the retail store’s apparel selection.
Northstar rental shops offer demo programs so you can try before you buy.Ritz Carlton Demo Shop
For those staying at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Northstar, this will be the most convenient rental spot. The Ritz Carlton Demo Shop is located right in the hotel, but it’s still slopeside and close to a ski school meet-up location. Plus, it’s on the gondola line. You’ll find the newest skis and snowboards here, as well as a nicely stocked retail space for clothing and accessories. It offers on-snow valet service, gear storage options are available, and you can indulge yourself with heated boots when you get your rentals here. Like all the demo shops in Northstar, after testing out the skis or snowboard for the day, you can apply the demo fee toward a purchase.
Burton at Northstar
You can find the newest Burton snowboards and snowboard equipment at Burton at Northstar. When you reserve your equipment through Epic Mountain Rentals, you can choose from an impressive selection of Burton boards, apparel, boots, bindings, and accessories. Plus, there’s a demo option. If you need to purchase any clothing, whether it’s a jacket or just a hat, the shop offers a large selection. During your day on the mountain, you’ll have the convenience of storage for boots and shoes and at night, you can store your skis as well.
<<Discover 10 reasons why Northstar should be your next family ski destination.>>
Northstar Adventure Center
Northstar Adventure Center stocks the newest skis and snowboards in a handy location right by the slopes. You’ll find this shop in the heart of the village, with easy access to the ski lifts and ski school. They have both day and night storage options for gear and you can also enjoy heated boots.
Several rental shops also sell gear, apparel, and accessories so you can outfit the family with everything you need.Any Mountain – Tahoe City
Anyone staying in or around Tahoe City can take advantage of the rental services at Any Mountain, an outdoor store in the heart of town on N. Lake Boulevard (about a 30-minute drive from Northstar). The shop has a wide selection of skis and snowboards for rent, and the fully stocked retail area includes a wide array of outdoor clothing and gear. When you reserve your rental through Epic Mountain Rentals, you can use Any Mountain’s easy “en-route” option to pick up your equipment as you’re heading to the resort. The shop also sits along a bus line that takes you to Northstar, making it easy to reach the slopes without the stress of driving or parking.
If you thought this article was informative, you should also read:
Which Ski Rental Package is Right for You?
Your Ski Rental Delivery Service Guide
How to Max Your Ski Weekend at Northstar
Written by Jenna Herzog for Matcha in partnership with Epic Mountain Rentals.
Featured image provided by © Vail Resorts
