Alpine Meadows vs Northstar California
Alpine Meadows (California) and Northstar California (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.
| Stat | Alpine Meadows | Northstar California |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 1,637 ft (499 m) | 2,280 ft (695 m) |
| Summit elevation | 8,494 ft | 8,609 ft |
| Base elevation | 6,857 ft | 6,329 ft |
| Lifts | 14 | 20 |
| Runs | 93 | 100 |
| Beginner terrain | 5% | 13% |
| Intermediate terrain | 60% | 60% |
| Expert terrain | 35% | 27% |
| Night skiing | - | No |
Northstar California has the bigger vertical (2,280 ft vs 1,637 ft); Northstar California has more runs (100 vs 93); Alpine Meadows skews more expert (35% expert terrain).
Which pass covers them?
| Resort | Pass coverage (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Alpine Meadows | Ikon Pass: 7 days |
| Northstar California | Epic Pass: unlimited days |
No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →
Stay near Alpine Meadows
Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows
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More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Northstar California stats