Winter should be all about huddling up in front of a fire, and drinking hot chocolate, but the truly best thing about winter is carving the slopes at Northstar, a resort on Lake Tahoe’s north shore.

Although it has recently been remodeled to become an attraction any time of year, Northstar is most famous for its winter slopes. Its welcoming atmosphere and fair prices ($79 for adults and $74 for young adults, ages 13-22, plus special group rates) make it a great vacation destination for not only family trips, but also weekend getaways with friends.

Northstar gets good quality snow for the slopes every year, but in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, they have one of the biggest snowmaking machines in the country. The view from the resort is spectacular and with the resort’s gondolas, you can get one of the best views of Lake Tahoe as well as get up to the lodge and lifts in a safe and fun way.

There are runs for every kind of skier or snowboarder, from beginner to expert. The terrain park is great for those who want a bigger thrill, complete with jumps, pipes, and rails. Although many people flock to Northstar during long weekends, the lifts are fast and the runs are long, making it easier to deal with the crowds. There is also a Village Run, which skiers and snowboarders can take down the mountain instead of riding in the gondola. This slope provides the convenience of getting down faster than riding in the gondola combined with a easier slope for warming down.

If you want to take a break from the slopes, head to The Village where novelty shops, restaurants, cafés, and snow gear stores are open. In addition to the friendly staff and reliable bus routes around the resort, Northstar also provides an ice rink for those who are fans of ice instead of snow. Grab your gear and head on up to Northstar this February break!