Revamped Northstar Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe

Located just 15 minutes from the historic town of Truckee and Lake Tahoe,  the Village at Northstar recently underwent a major expansion and is luring skiers and snowboarders with expanded terrain, a redesigned village, and the swanky new Ritz-Carlton Highlands Lake Tahoe.  The $300 million mid-mountain property is the first new resort in the Tahoe Basin area in decades, and no expense was spared on the luxury mountain lodge that features a ski concierge, ski-in/ski-out access, and gourmet restaurants.

The posh new resort is the latest addition to the redesigned Village-at-Northstar that now boasts a bustling 60,000-square-foot village with 21 retail stores, 11 bars and restaurants, outdoor firepits, and a 9,000-square-foot ice rink at the center of the village. New runs at Northstar include The Stash, where boarders can enjoy tabletops, halfpipes, rails and a superpipe. There are also five terrain parks and two pipes to occupy skiers or snowboarders.

After a long day on the mountain, visitors can recharge in the Ritz-Carlton’s 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center offering a variety of therapies and treatments themed around water and the outdoors. The Ritz-Carlton Highlands will be one of the first major five-star mountain resorts to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Environmental-friendly features include underground parking, the use of recycled steel, and the use of energy efficient heating and cooling systems.  Even landmark trees were selected and tagged so that construction crews could work around the forest instead of clear cutting the site. The result is a modern lodge that blends in with the spectacular mountain setting.

Take advantage of special packages like the Resort Reconnect that is valid through April 17, 2010. Starting at $399  per night, the package includes a daily $100 resort credit and daily breakfast for two in Mountain Blue Market or Manzanita. Or bring the kids and enjoy the Peace of Mind package that includes:  accommodations, daily breakfast for two, Ritz Kids half day program for up to two children each day, Internet, local calls, parking and up to three complimentary nights for $399 per night.

Regular room rates range from $249-$499; www.ritzcarlton.com.