Truckee, CA – Resort officials are sharing Northstar California Resort’s master plan, outlining what the future holds with regard to on-mountain improvements and additional recreational opportunities at the popular ski and snowboard resort in North Lake Tahoe. The plan, submitted to Placer County for environmental review, outlines mountain improvements proposed at Northstar over the next 10 to 15 years.
“The Northstar Mountain Master Plan illustrates an exciting next step in our vision for the future of Northstar, and includes plans for new lift served skiing and riding on Sawtooth Ridge, improvements to the way guests access the mountain, and more activities for people to enjoy when they visit Northstar,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer of Northstar California Resort.
The Northstar master plan proposes new ski terrain, lifts, skier facilities and additional recreational opportunities, as well as upgrades to existing ski terrain and facilities. Lift access would be added to the advanced terrain and gladed back country terrain located on Sawtooth Ridge in an effort to help diversify and balance the terrain choices available to resort guests. In all, approximately 300 acres of new ski trails, both traditional cut runs and others with tree islands and glades, would be added, accessed by seven new lifts on the eastern and western slopes of Mt. Pluto, the northeastern slopes of Sawtooth Ridge, and Lookout Mountain.
Snowmaking coverage would be expanded and improved upon with new technological and energy efficiencies. The plan also calls for on-mountain skier service site improvements to provide additional seating, restrooms and enhanced food service, as well as improved skier circulation within existing terrain through trail widening, skier bridges and existing lift upgrades.
The master plan was developed using environmental principles and management strategies established in Northstar’s Habitat Management Plan (HMP), a resource management guide that was developed in collaboration with the local environmental community to conserve and enhance the natural resource values of Northstar lands while allowing for current and planned future land uses in a manner that is compatible with those values.
An important component of the proposed master plan is the resource management and enhancement of lands in the northwestern section of the resort that borders Sawtooth Ridge, public lands to the west and the Martis Valley, making it a significant protected area. This area will be managed using the HMP guidelines to conserve and enhance the natural resource values. Implementation of the HMP includes areas managed primarily for conservation over specific areas that lie outside resort infill areas, forest health enhancement measures that have been and will continue to be implemented, and additional measures, as appropriate, to mitigate impacts to biological resources that may be identified through the environmental review process.
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) examining the proposal will be prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) statutes and guidelines, and Placer County’s Environmental Review Ordinance. The EIR will identify feasible mitigation measures to reduce or avoid impacts, will consider project alternatives, and will evaluate the project’s potential to contribute to cumulative impacts in the region.
“Local environmental organizations have worked closely with us to review our proposed master plan and ensure its consistency with the resort’s Habitat Management Plan. It is extremely important to us to continue enhancing the guest experience while also protecting the environment. We look forward to reviewing the plans with the public and local leaders to receive further input,” said Rock.
The Lead Agency will hold a public Scoping Meeting to receive comments on the scope of the EIR on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Lakeview Suite of the North Tahoe Event Center, located at 8318 North Lake Boulevard in Kings Beach, Calif.