This post is sponsored, but the opinions are 100% our own.
I love being spontaneous! When I was younger, I was so much more spontaneous than I am now. Obviously, I have two kids. I run on drop offs, picks ups, and eating and sleeping schedules. But sometimes planning a quick trip away can do wonders in breaking free from the daily grind and help put some spontaneity back into your life.
How about a quick trip to Northstar, California? Sounds nice, right? Well, it’s pretty easy!
Last week, we were invited to visit Northstar, California in the middle of the week. So we put off school schedules, work schedules, and decided to get away for 48 hrs of family fun. Here is a glimpse of our 2 perfect days.
DAY 1
MORNING:
We left our house right after breakfast, stopping once along the way for food and potty breaks, and arrived at Northstar right after lunch, just as the rain was changing over to snow – how magical that was for our little ones.
You could leave before breakfast, feeding the kids in the car, to make it to Northstar by lunch, too, if you wanted! I recommend bringing your winter coats and boots in the car and not packing them. It takes up less space, and you will have them ready as soon as your arrive!
AFTERNOON:
We checked into our condo. Then time for play! Our first hour after we arrived was filled with snowball fights, sledding, an Olaf snowman (remember to pack the carrots!) and snow angels right outside our condo. Pure joy! Then, we headed into the Village. Twinkling lights year around, s’mores at 3pm, live music on the weekend, ice skating during winter, restaurants, bars, wow! What a wonderful apres ski vibe!
I highly recommend staying on Northstar’s property. Staying on the free, call for service shuttle route close to the village or in the village itself is a must with small kids. It makes getting to and from the Village super easy – no driving, no shoving kids in winter clothes into car seats, etc. Our condo was perfect for our little family- two bedrooms, a large kitchen, a dining room table, huge comfy couches! And best of all, the common snow play area outside the condos.
DINNER:
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of mussels, calamari, sea bass, and pasta at Tavern 6330’! Oh and don’t forget to try the Lobster Mac n Cheese and mommy’s favorite, an Old Fashion. This California fine dining restaurant is surprisingly super kid-friendly. They even have a kids’ menu with coloring sheets and kids’ mocktails! After dinner, we stopped by Copper Lane to pick up milk and other essentials for the condo! The market is perfect to grab milk, eggs, snacks, oh, and wine of course!
DAY 2
MORNING:
We reported to the ski school to drop off my four year old. What an easy process! With a kiss, he was taken to get his boots and skis. If your kids are old enough, you have got to try ski school! It is such a happy experience for the kids, and you get a little break and time to enjoy the mountain yourself. Did I mention, Northstar has a yoga studio and a spa… just sayin’.
Since the whole “getting gear” process that I have come to dread doing with kids was taken care of, my husband, my other son, and I made our way to Inxpot for yummy breakfast and coffee. Then we got my other little guy skis (for the first time – he’s two!) and headed up the mountain to play! Right off the gondola, you have fire pits to relax, The Lodge at Big Springs and a food truck for food, a bar for drinks, and all the lifts that take you farther up the mountain! We hung around at the base, enjoying the snow and snacks, and sneaking peeks at our son in ski school. I don’t know how those instructors have so much patience!
AFTERNOON:
We enjoyed a lunch of crepes and hotdogs back in the Village at Euro Crepes, which offers easy to-go options. We just wanted to enjoy the outside and relax by the fire! Then, we shuttled back to the condo for our little guy’s afternoon nap. My husband checked his email, and I made my way back up the gondola again to hang out, enjoy the views, and watch ski school some more. If I had been skiing, I would have gone up for Tōst on the East Ridge Run for a free champagne toast at the top of the mountain. I will next time for sure!
At 3:30, we met back up together and picked up our older son from school, with a ski report card and all. Northstar also offers EpicMix Academy to track your child on the mountain and what skills they are mastering! Then it was off to the Ritz-Carlton for drinks and Marshmology! Marshmology is held every evening at the Ritz-Carlton at Northstar and features homemade flavored marshmallows to toast for s’mores! With hot chocolate, cocktails, and flavored s’mores, this apres ski won’t be beat.
DINNER:
After more snow play outside the Ritz, we headed back down the mountain for dinner in the Village at TC’s Pub. I love this super chill vibe with yummy food, good drinks, and lots of sports TVs. My kids were a bit of a mess (not their best dinner performance) after our little sugar rush, but not to worry. The waiters were friendly, fast, and it was a happy experience for all. After a long day of skiing and snow play, I recommend an early, easy dinner.
DAY 3
We were expecting to go back into the Village for breakfast, but we decided to leave a little early to beat the next snow storm. My husband made some eggs and sausage that we purchased at Copper Lane, and I started packing up. After breakfast and playing in the snow a bit outside our place, we loaded up the car and headed home.
Until next time, Northstar!
You should really consider a quick trip to Northstar California with your family to take in the beautiful views, the apres ski scene, and make snow memories with your children! Need something to do next weekend? Get spontaneous and drive to Northstar California!
