California snow play: Tahoe’s Northstar offers off-the-slope fun too

Escaping to a mountain ski town is the stuff of winter dreams, but while the focus may be on glistening slopes, that’s not the only draw of a cozy seasonal destination. There’s ice skating, for one, fire pits, tasty bites, apres-ski cocktails and all the other creature comforts that abound at a snowy North Shore resort such as Northstar or the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe.

Over the mountain and through the woods — typically a four-hour drive from the Bay Area, depending on weather and road conditions — you’ll find the Village at Northstar near Truckee, some 6,330 feet above sea level. The Northstar California Resort offers ski slopes, of course, as well as a lively village lined with eateries and shops.

But the centerpiece is the ice rink, where skaters from novice to expert show off their moves from noon to 9 p.m. The lively rink is free of charge (rent skates and a helmet for $21), and the atmosphere provides a major draw. A DJ is often on hand, spinning records to keep the party going on the ice. And hot drinks flow at the rink bar, with hot chocolate for the kiddos, as well as adult-only sips to enjoy around one of the nearby fire pits.

The kid-friendly Village Tube experience ($26) lets the younger set explore, while parents sip coffee and fireside cocktails at the Overlook. The setup is simple: Grab a tube, find a snowy lane and soar downhill as fast as you can. Adjacent lanes make racing your friends easy and fun.

And, of course, skiers and snowboarders will find slope action easy to find. Northstar’s gondola system, complete with outdoor gear hooks, offers adventure seekers easy access to all the lifts.

When you’re ready to warm your toes by the fire indoors, escape to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, a quick drive — or gondola ride — away. If you’re heading up from the Northstar Village, grab the Highlands Gondola to the resort, which sits at a 6,941-foot elevation, and offers food and drink options for guests and visitors.

Among the new winter offerings: Flaskology, a curated cocktail creation class ($75) that lets participants mix their own tasty elixirs. The brainchild of food and beverage director Maurice Tax, the class includes expertinstruction on cocktail-making basics, one-on-one help crafting a palate-pleasing beverage and a leather-covered Ritz-Carlton flask filled with your drink of choice. The reservation-only course is offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Each Flaskology station is set up with everything guests need, from bar tools to syrups, bitters, fresh citrus and juices. A fully stocked bar at the front of the room allows novice bartenders to mix up just about any drink they desire. Feeling stuck? That’s what the mixologists are there for.

If making your own drink sounds like too much leg work — all that stirring and shaking! — mosey over to the resort’s Luxury Lounge instead. It’s open from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and the setup — an outdoor bar, warm fireplace, plush blankets draped over cushy seats — is an apres-ski vision. Even when it’s nippy out, the lounge stays cozy, with plenty of warmth from fireplace to heaters.

But the biggest surprises are inside the menu, which isn’t really a menu at all. Instead, you’re handed a tray with five elements: leather, stone, crystal, gold and wood. Choose the item that speaks to you, and you’ll be given the corresponding craft cocktail to sip by the fire, each with its own spectacular presentation, a smoke box, perhaps, or gold ice cubes set off by clear vodka and bright strawberries. (Pssst, if surprises aren’t your jam, a paper menu detailing the cocktails is available upon request.)

If you’re spending the night here, you’ll be able to take advantage of another hospitality offering, this one included with your overnight stay and only available to guests. A custom tea service is held in the hotel’s Living Room from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on select afternoons as an antidote to winter’s chill and a way to warm your soul and treat any mountain-related ailments. Hot Herbology is not your typical tea though. Local herbalist Sara Tadjeran uses her gift for combining flavors to create soothing, healing teas for whatever ails you — including sore joints from all that snow play.

You’ll find the usual winter perks here, too, from s’mores kits to a heated outdoor pool surrounded by snowy landscapes. And some activities launched during the holidays will continue on through the end of the season including snowshoe stargazing treks on Wednesdays and Fridays and special spa treatments. Apres indeed.

If You Go

Skate rentals, which include a helmet, are $21 at The Village at Northstar, 5001 Northstar Drive in Truckee. Find details on the ice rink, as well as lift tickets, lodging and dining and other details at www.northstarcalifornia.com.

Rooms at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe start at $881 per night. 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Court in TruckeeCost: Rooms start at $881 per night; www.ritzcarlton.com.

Between massive snowfall and torrential rain, Northern California has already seen some extreme weather this year. Travel safely, and check Lake Tahoe’s weather, road conditions and chain requirements at www.gotahoenorth.com/weather-report before you hit the road.