6:30 AM
The plow rumbles by outside, you open your eyes, you peek out the window and your hopes are confirmed. Deep drifts, blue sky and bright sun at The Camp. Warm your boots by the fire and put on your snow gear. A full day of fun has already begun.
8:00 AM
LOOKOUT LODGE & THE MARTIS CAMP EXPRESS LIFT
Winter Transportation Manager Danny Kruck arrives at your home to shuttle you over to Lookout Lodge. Martis Camp’s Community Ski Shuttles run daily, with extra capacity on weekends and holidays, and service to The Village at Northstar for shopping, dining and gondola access. With equipment storage at Lookout Lodge, there’s no need to lug your gear back and forth from the mountain. Danny explains, “Over the past five years, our ski shuttle network has grown into one of the most popular and convenient winter amenities at Martis Camp. With six vehicles and an app to track their locations, Members can book or catch a ride to Lookout Lodge from anywhere in the community, within 10 minutes.”
8:45 AM
After a quick breakfast burrito at Lookout Lodge, your ski day is underway. The Martis Camp Express Lift sweeps you to the top of Lookout Mountain in just six minutes, where a turn to the right leads to the black-diamond terrain of Prosser and Stampede, or a turn to the left takes you from Schwarzstrasse to Martis, or on to Northstar California’s main mountain. With 3,170 acres of terrain across Mt. Pluto, The Backside and Lookout Mountain, there’s a run to suit every mood and desire. Stride over to the East Ridge where steep chutes get your heart going, barrel down the long expanse of Challenger or work the deep powder of Lookout Glade. If tricks and turns are your specialty, explore the parks and pipes on the east side of Mt. Pluto. With 100 trails and 20 lifts, there’s plenty to keep you skiing or boarding all day.
When asked about his favorite runs at Northstar, Lookout Lodge Manager Jeff Sarlo shares his picks, based on years of practice.
Favorite Groomed Run? “Promised Land, on The Backside. The terrain at the start of the run is the perfect transition or pitch for creating some rhythm in my turns that then sets me up for the long rolling terrain and the free feeling of being on the widest trail at Northstar. I call it my safe run.”
And how about on powder days? “Lookout Mountain between the Martis Camp Express Lift line and Stampede. Steepest terrain, easy lift access, open glade skiing and endless powder face shots!”
11:00 AM
LOOKOUT & CHILL
Your legs are worked and it’s time to refuel. The housemade chili or the artisan pizza? Leave your skis with valet and have a seat on the terrace at Lookout Lodge while you make your choice from the menu. Add a spiced apple cider or a craft beer, and enjoy the sunshine as you watch the world glide by. Valet brings the car around and moves your gear inside where your skis are waxed, stored and ready for your next outing. Maybe in a few days or maybe this weekend? Check the forecast and hope for more snow so you can do it all again … tomorrow.
APRÈS EVERY DAY
Lookout Lodge brings you Après Ski every day, with a panoramic view of all the action on Lookout Mountain. Pull up a chair or put up your feet at the firepit. Bar Bistro & Beverage Manager Ryan Jackson recommends trying the Tahoe Toddy with a blend of delectable flavors:
MARTIS CAMP OLD FORRESTER SINGLE BARREL BOURBON,
WILDFLOWER HONEY, CLOVES, NUTMEG, CAYENNE PEPPER,
ORANGE ZEST, CINNAMON, ALLSPICE, LEMON CITRUS
11:45 AM
MARTSI PEAK AT THE CAMP LODGE
Top off your al fresco lunch with a stop at Martis Perk to enjoy the sweet artistry of Pastry Chef Alison Murphy. Housemade croissants, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns and cookies fill the shop with an aroma of goodness. Baked fresh daily and paired with a Camppucino, they’re perfect treats to go. With hot chocolate for the kids, the whole family is Perked up and ready for the afternoon. Don’t forget the homemade “dog bones” for your furry family member waiting at home.
MORE LOVIN’ FROM THE OVEN
Martis Perk has additional hot breakfast items on its menu including the Southern Charm biscuit and gravy, Americana muffin with bacon and egg, Alpenglow croissant sandwich with pancetta and provolone, vegetarian Drifter Wrap and more. Lighter fare includes housemade granola with yogurt and other healthy options to start your day.
12:30 PM
GET LOST AT THE LIBRARY
A warm fire at the Lost Library sets just the right mood for an hour of relaxation in the company of good books. Peruse the selection of daily newspapers, check out a book to take home or have a seat for a game of chess. Your next move is up to you.
1:30 PM
SLED & SLIDE OUTSIDE
The Sierra sun is still shining and the afternoon temperature invites you outside near the Family Barn. Walk down the path to Hole 10 of the Tom Fazio golf course where the Greens & Grounds team has sculpted the snowy slope into a deep, curving run with gentle banks and turns. Director of Greens & Grounds Scott Bower understands the sled hill’s importance. “Growing up in New England, I have fond childhood memories of building snow forts and sledding every winter. Making the sled run at Martis Camp is a fun way to carry on the tradition and give all the kids here a place to play together in the winter.”
In the snow-covered fairway next to the sled hill, a groomed path and cross-country tracks extend across the terrain, creating a playground for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. With complimentary sleds, skis and snowshoes available at the Family Barn, there’s no need to choose one activity or the other. Choose everything and get outside to play with the family, where the fresh air and blue sky always inspire.
3:00 PM
A WORLD OF COLOR & CREATIVITY
Back at the Family Barn, a visit to the Art Loft offers a world of color and creativity. Choose a ceramic piece to glaze and fire, or mix up a palette and paint a canvas. There’s plenty to keep the kids engaged for the afternoon, while learning skills they’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
Folk School Manager Meredith Solin has an exciting season of Folk School classes in store, taught by experienced instructors from around the region. Sign up for acrylics with Anke Haas, woodworking with Tom Beebe, oil painting with Andy Skaff, mixed media with Carole Sesko, or quilting with Nancy Hinds.
Folk School curriculum changes every season, and explores a variety of subjects and techniques in art, cooking, sewing, jewelry making, photography and other skilled practices done by hand.
4:00 PM
THE SPA
After a quick dip in the outdoor soaking tub, it’s time for some Spa therapy. Retreat to the Relaxation Room before moving to the Couple’s Massage Room for fireside pampering and bliss. What’s the best path forward to restoration and recovery? Spa Director Julia Jarvis offers her recommendation.
“Unwind, warm up and indulge is some après recovery after an extraordinary day on the mountain. Our expert therapists offer completely customized treatments that restore tight, aching muscles back to peak condition, while calming the mind and transforming the spirit. Our new fully-customized, 90-minute Sierra Medicinal Massage harnesses the powerful de-stressing properties of CBD to perfectly remedy aching feet and legs and get you ready for your next adventure.”
5:30 PM
DINNER IN THE BARTLETT NOOK
As the sun sets, the fire glows in the Bartlett Nook – a cozy setting for a private family dinner at the Camp Lodge. Dining Room Manager & Wine Director Attila Pallos welcomes you and composes your dining experience with paired food and wine, and impeccable service provided by our knowledgeable team of Ambassadors.
Executive Chef Conor Ball revels in the joys of winter cooking. Locally-sourced meat and seafood provide the base for rich and savory entrées, with a supporting cast of seasonal vegetables. The winter menu features hand-tossed pizzas with sourdough crust, housemade pasta, a Wagyu burger, organic chicken and wild trout. For something heartier, look to the Lodge Steakhouse menu for Prime cuts cooked in cast iron … and don’t miss the buttermilk mashed potatoes.
7:00 PM
SUNDAES AND A MOVIE TO END THE DAY
Save room for dessert and head to MC’s Original Soda Fountain where the good old days of ice cream sundaes, chocolate shakes and root beer floats are still going strong. If you really want to splurge, go for the banana split with whipped cream or level up to the Affogato with vanilla ice cream and espresso.
Upstairs, the popcorn is popped for your private screening in the theater. Choose your seat, sit back and enjoy the show. “Watching a movie in the theater is a fun way to end a day at Martis Camp,” says Entertainment & Events Manager Kelly Tierney. “It feels like a night out but you’re only a few minutes from home — maybe even just down the path,
with Sierra stargazing along the way.”
Written by Kelly Heapy
