Resort Comparison

Northstar California vs St. Anton am Arlberg

Northstar California excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while St. Anton am Arlberg offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

The Verdict

Northstar California leads with 3 wins

Best for Families

Northstar California

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall

St. Anton am Arlberg

222.7" average season

Best Terrain

St. Anton am Arlberg

7,400 acres to explore

Best Value

St. Anton am Arlberg

$80 day pass

Easiest Access

Northstar California

0.8h from RNO

Best Village Vibe

Northstar California

World-class village experience

Northstar California

California, United States

$$$Epic

St. Anton am Arlberg

Tyrol, Austria

$$$Independent

Family

Ski School Age

3+

3+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

8.5

6.0

Walkability

8.8

8.0

Village Vibe

9.0

7.5

Mountain

Vertical

2,280'

4,606'

Skiable Area

3,170 ac

7,400 ac

Green Runs

13%

10%

Trails

100

302

Lifts

20

88

Getting There

Airport

RNO

INN

Drive Time

0.8h

1.3h

Road Ease

6.5

7.0

Cost

Passes

Epic

Independent

Day Pass

$220

$80

Cost Tier

Premium

Premium

Village

Dining

Good

Excellent

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Northstar California

195.1"

avg season

2024-25 season

183.2" total

94%

St. Anton am Arlberg

222.7"

avg season

2024-25 season

119.6" total

54%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

223"111"0"

Northstar California

St. Anton am Arlberg

Key Insights

Northstar California excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while St. Anton am Arlberg offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

Key Differences

Northstar California's beginner terrain score (8.5) exceeds St. Anton am Arlberg's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Northstar California's family village atmosphere score (9.0) exceeds St. Anton am Arlberg's (7.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
St. Anton am Arlberg offers more terrain variety (7,400 acres vs 3,170 acres)
St. Anton am Arlberg has greater vertical drop (4,606' vs 2,280'), offering longer runs
Northstar California has more beginner/intermediate terrain (73% green and blue), while St. Anton am Arlberg skews more advanced (50% black and double black)

Best For

Northstar California

Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere
Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)

St. Anton am Arlberg

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (7,400 acres)
Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing