Take a hike near Tahoe's beautiful Northstar

Move your feet: Summer is one of the best — and most affordable — times to visit Northstar-at-Tahoe on the north shore of Lake Tahoe in California. During the summer, miles of trails are open to day hikers and mountain bikers. (Kathleen Jay/Special to The Examiner)

SAN FRANCISCO — If you haven’t been to the Village at Northstar — located on Lake Tahoe’s north shore near Truckee — in the past couple of years, most likely, you’ll barely recognize it.

The resort, which includes a beautifully designed alpine village centered on a year-round outdoor skating rink, is a perfect destination for summer visitors.

With perfect Sierra summer weather — warm and sunny by day, cool and crisp by night — the resort offers everything from hiking and biking to live music and fine dining, all at a very affordable budget.

For more information, visit www.northstaratahoe.com.

Settling in

On a visit here last week, I stayed at the Tahoe Mountain Resort, a collection of luxurious condos located in the center of the village. Although you’ll pay top dollar here in the winter, summer is a real bargain.

A small group of us shared a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at Big Horn Lodge — one of 52 slopeside residences with panoramic views of the mountains — located footsteps away from the resort’s gondola and the village.

Starting at $249 per night in the summer (split among four adults — well, you can do the math), our condo was approximately 1,400 square feet, and it featured a large, open kitchen with every high-end appliance you can imagine. The living room featured a grand fireplace, above which was mounted a 42-inch LCD TV with surround sound, cable and a DVD player. A deck faced the village below.

For those on a tighter budget, the resort also features hotel-style rooms, which offer fewer luxury amenities but offer comfort, convenience and great value. Starting at $75 per person (based on double occupancy), the resort is offering “Stay and Play” packages that include lodging for two nights.

The high life for less

Whether you snowboard or ski, there is no distinction for those visiting Northstar during the summer, during which there several activities fit for anybody that are either free or under $5.

Scenic lift rides: Lift rides on Northstar’s gondola are just $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under. Operating everyday through Labor Day, visitors can take a scenic lift ride, or prepare for a hike among one of the resort’s many summer-manicured trails. Free guided hikes are available daily at 1:30 p.m. at the bottom of the gondola near the information tent.

Roller skating: Northstar’s 9,000-square-foot skating rink is open 1-8 p.m. daily. Its use is always free, and skate rentals are $5. On Tuesdays, the resort features a retro skate night with music from the ’70s and ’80s from 6-9 p.m.

TGI Thursdays: Thursday nights in the Village at Northstar this summer will feature free outdoor movies, as well as dining specials offered at participating restaurants. Deals include $3 fish tacos at Big Wave Burritos & Wraps and $2 off happy hour drinks from 4-7 p.m.

Guided bike rides and tours: Plaza Bikes in the Village at Northstar offers a free guided road-bike ride Saturdays throughout the summer. Interested riders meet at Plaza Bikes at 5 p.m. for a two-hour ride that loops around the Tour de Nez road course twice (1,200 feet of climbing) before returning to the Village. For those who want to get familiar with the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park, complimentary “Meet the Mountain” tours suited to beginners and intermediate-level riders will be offered at 10:30 a.m. daily.

IF YOU GO

Northstar at Tahoe

Where: 100 Northstar Drive, Truckee
Contact: (800) GO-NORTH
Info: www.northstarattahoe.com

Bargain: Baxter’s Summer Specials

Less than $10

Fine dining has arrived at Northstar in the form of Baxter’s, an excellent fine-dining restaurant that features creative California fare and an extensive wine list. The restaurant — run by the same people who run Moody’s in nearby Truckee — also supports local musicians with live jazz almost every night. Visit the restaurant for Baxter’s Bistro Happy Hour, during which guests can take advantage of half-priced well drinks, wine ($10 and less) and draft beer. Offered seven days a week from 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Splurge: A night at the new Ritz-Carlton

Starting at $249 per night

The highly-anticipated opening of Lake Tahoe’s most luxurious resort — the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe — is drawing near. Located just a short, private gondola ride from Northstar’s village, the luxury resort is now accepting reservations for Dec. 9 and beyond. Introductory room rates start at $249 per night. The newly built resort will also feature Manzanita, a new restaurant by Traci Des Jardins. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
 

Life by numbers

100: Miles of mountain biking trails offered at Northstar during the summer

5: Minutes it takes to ride the gondola from the village to the hiking and biking trails

35: Shops, restaurants and cafes now open at the village at Northstar