March 27, 2018 Northstar

We arrived an hour before the lift started at 8:30 with the goal of getting our favorite parking spot. In February we also got there early, but the new Highlands gondola was not operating -- there was not enough snow on Home Run trail to ski down to the parking spot or the loading area. With all the snow from March Miracle the lift was operating and we could end the day skiing down Home Run trail to the campervan. Yes, you may not think this is to big deal, BUT otherwise you can park anywhere in their huge parking lot and get a ride on the shuttle bus which drops you off so that you have to take a loooong walk thru the village past all the shops to get to the Big Springs Express gondola, the main gondola from the village.

Riding the Highlands gondola was our first time back to this part of Northstar in 10 years, and the growth has been enormous. Lodging, condos, and trails throughout the area. Once off the gondola we had the choice of the Vista, Arrow, or Tahoe Zephyr express lifts. We had a sunny day with temperatures at mid 20 and getting warmer. We skied various trails and waited for the sun to warm the backside trails. The backside has to 2 mountains, The Backside and Lookout Mountain. We skied the groomers and the steep terrain has fantastic coverage. The Drifter and Iron Horse trails had steep terrain, and there are 15 expert trails a mile long. Next was Lookout Mountain. You can take the poma to Lookout Mountain, but it was closed today; the only other option was to take Lookout Bypass trail which is one very long trail which also gives you access to The Camp Glade. You eventually arrive at the Washoe trail which goes down to the base of Martis Camp express lift. There is the Martis Camp Lodge , for members only, and a "flock" of other lodging. The base there is lower, but there are vast trail options and glades. After this adventure we went back to the Village for a couple more runs amidst the crowds. After 3 ½ hours we skied down the Home Run trail, under the Highlands gondola, to the parking area, and walked 40 feet to our campervan It was a fantastic day with a vast number of expert runs, glades, and great groomers. Yahoo!

Sounds like one of the better areas you've visited...i.e. when coverage is ample..enjoying your write ups...thanks!

When I lived in California we called it "Flatstar". That's not the case anymore! There are plenty of steep bumps and even side country gems.

Cool...flatchelor is my home😂