lynnalan

I will be traveling with my 12 year old daughter to ski and am weighing the Ritz-Carlton or a condo at Catamount or Big Horn. The fun of being in the village is attractive but the luxury of the Ritz is appealing (though I have read mixed reviews - as anticipated with a newly opened hotel). Cost is similar. It is our first time to Lake Tahoe. Any thoughts?

sf7307

I only saw the Ritz while it was under construction, but we have friends who have a condo at Catamount and I've been in many of the units there. I personally would prefer to be in the village, and the units at Catamount are really really nice. Not sure what particular luxuries you're after, though, so it's hard to answer your question.

bakerstreet

We're headed there this weekend and opted for a condo in the village. I'll have three children (15, 12, 11) and as much as I like the Ritz Carlton, I know the kids would prefer to be in the village so they can walk to everything when not skiing -- ice skating rink, s'mores by the fire (or so I've heard), etc., and I think our balcony overlooks much of it.

So it wasn't really a hard choice for us. Have a great trip!

Suzie

If you've been to Northstar, you may think that using the word village seems a bit overblown to describe what is actually there. It's not like it's big or anything. I sit in this area and read a book, people watch and wait for my snowboarders to finish.

I do like the ice rink area with nice places to sit by the fire pits and the occassional live music. Flanking the ice rink on one side are places like Starbucks and Mikuni, which is great sushi. On the other sides it's a clothing shop, ski storage and bathrooms, ticket booth. Then on the back side of the Starbucks and Mikuni are some other shops and places to eat - not a bunch more, just some more.

Being a fan of luxury, I'd opt for the Ritz and use the private gondola to ride down to the village area.

lynnalan

Well, this is a tough decision but it does sound like I probably won't go wrong either way. No one seems to report the Ritz being a disappointment. Thanks everyone for your input. Bakerstreet, have a fun trip this weekend!

Suzie

Man it is snowing like crazy in Tahoe. Windy too. Hope bakerstreet is already there.

bakerstreet

Back from a great trip, and now that I've seen both I'll say if I were taking a mother-daughter trip, and if price were similar, I'd stay at the Ritz Carlton!

We had a fabulous, large condo in the village, two balconies, overlooking the ice-skating rink, great location, beautifully furnished and decorated, three large bedrooms, three full bethrooms, etc., and it was perfect for our two-family visit. However, as Suzie said, it's not really a "village" -- just a collection of shops. And to those who have experienced TRUE ski-in, ski-out, it's not really that -- you have to walk over to the gondola, toting your gear, to get up the mountain to ski. It's a doable walk, but it is not really ski-in, ski-out.

We had several meals at the Ritz-Carlton and they were great. Service was unusually good. Families abounded. Dogs were plentiful, as well. Great atmosphere. If price is not an issue, and you don't need a kitchen or the room of a condo, stay at the Ritz!

We arrived on the 12th, just beating the tire-chain requirements, and awoke Saturday morning to blue skies and great skiing.

I had heard Northstar is a good resort for families, and that was true. It has some of the easiest greens I've ever skiied. The blues were not that tough, either -- perfect for checking our girls out of ski school early and skiing with them. In fact, you can go all the way to the top of the mountain (where there's a lovely view of the lake) and ski all the way down on greens, with the exception of one blue.

And there's a bead shop in the village where your daughter might enjoy apending an hour or so. Our girls did.

Hope you have a great trip.

sf7307

I've been to Northstar many many times (perhaps 50 times), in winter and in summer, old "village" to "new". So I ask this truly out of curiosity -- when you say its "not a village, just a collection of shops", what exactly do you mean? I agree, it's not a real town like Truckee, or Aspen, or Breckenridge, it's just a ski area like Squaw Valley or Park City or Snowmass ---- is that what you mean? Or are you comparing it to, say, Vail, which while it is just a ski area, too, is designed more like a little village?

Suzie

When I think of a village I think that you can do more than just a couple of things. There are more than 1 or 2 restaurants, there are a few pubs, there is a place for groceries, etc. Northstar is great for what it is, but it's not really much of a village. You do have to get into your car and drive to Truckee for some stuff including nightlife.

lynnalan

Just an update .... we ended up staying at the Ritz and it was fabulous!! I highly recommend it - beautiful hotel, excellent service and very family friendly.

sf7307

I think we'll give it a try over the summer! Thanks for reporting back.