More beginner terrain, increased lift capacity, instructional riding clinics and more await Lake Tahoe mountain bikers this summer at Northstar-at-Tahoe.

As the summer season quickly approaches, Northstar Resort continues to build on the success of its popular mountain bike park, the largest in Northern California, with significant improvements to its downhill and cross-country offering.

“For the first time, this summer Northstar Resort will offer downhill and cross-country terrain suitable to all levels of riders,” said Andy Buckley, director of resort experience at Northstar Resort. “This, coupled with new riding clinics, guide service and other improvements to our existing infrastructure will offer riders of every level an exciting riding experience.”

This spring, Northstar Resort will begin construction on a two-mile beginner trail that ranges from four to six feet wide, and runs from the top of the Gondola Express located at mid-mountain down to the Village at Northstar. Suitable for all ages and ability levels, this family-oriented trail will give new riders an opportunity to experience the bike park at their own pace.

And, for those just starting out or who want to improve their riding, Northstar Resort will introduce riding clinics and guide service on weekends and holidays this season. Specializing in downhill and cross-country skill development, these clinics will be offered by advance registration only.

In response to the popularity of the opening of LiveWire last summer, Northstar Resort’s advanced almost two-mile long signature trail that is fully irrigated, this summer the resort will double the lift capacity on the Tahoe Zephyr Express, its six-pack express chairlift, allowing even more riders to quickly get up the mountain. The resort will also continue to develop its trail irrigation management system in an effort to continue to be able to offer riders smooth trails with a tacky surface for superior traction, and will upgrade the existing trail network under the Vista Express chairlift in order to create better flow and a sense of continuity among the trails.

Northstar Resort’s Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open Friday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2008), weather and conditions permitting, with a kick-off demo event sponsored by Giant Bicycles on Friday, May 23, 2008. Following that weekend, the bike park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays until June 20 when it will open for daily operations through September 1, and Friday-Sunday until October 12. Daily operating hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Helmets are required for all riders, and can be rented along with bikes and other equipment at the resort. Daily lift tickets are required for lift access and can be purchased for $39. For those who want to ride all season, Mountain Bike Park season passes are available for $229 and can be purchased online at www.northstarattahoe.com or at the Season Pass & Tickets office in the Village at Northstar .

Tour de Nez
In time for the kick-off of the bike park’s official opening for daily operations, Northstar Resort will serve as proud host to the Tour de Nez, one of the country’s top professional bicycling stage races, June 18-21, 2008. The race’s move to Northstar Resort will enable the event to expand to include six days of pro, amateur and enthusiast events. For amateur riders with a competitive edge, Northstar Resort will again host the Downhill Race Series and the Cross-Country Race Series this summer, open to riders of all ages. Race dates and additional information can be found online at www.northstarattahoe.com.

Future plans
Beyond the 2008 season, Northstar Resort’s five year plan includes more trail irrigation using the existing snowmaking infrastructure, additional on-mountain dining options, daily clinics, the hosting of national and international race events, the continual building of new trails and the upgrading of the existing trail network and infrastructure.

The resort also has plans to construct a trail similar to LiveWire, it’s first signature downhill trail that features an irrigation system top to bottom, that will be geared toward intermediate riders. Taking guest feedback and that of Northstar Resort’s team riders, the trail crew will build another fully irrigated trail that will entice non-expert riders to enjoy the ride.

For more information about the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park, please visit www.northstarattahoe.com or call the Plaza Bike Shop in the Village at Northstar at (530) 562-2268.