When golf goes dormant and the snowcats stir, Danny Kruck undergoes an impressive transformation: he trades one set of business cards for another.
In summer, Kruck serves as an Assistant Golf Pro here at The Camp. But in winter, he takes on all the responsibilities of the Lookout Lodge Manager. That role includes everything from managing and training the team, assisting with valet and shuttle services and ski storage, to tuning skis, arranging ski events, and overseeing top tier customer service.
Q: When does your day start and what is your role?
A: My day typically starts around 6:30am unless I am on drop off duty for my son. Alongside my fellow Ambassadors our role varies from valet, ski storage, and ski tuning with a focus on welcoming Members, their family and guests.
Q: What are the biggest surprises/comments you hear from members and guests when they see the Lookout Lodge for the first time?
A: The vast majority are blown away by convenience. Whether they take a shuttle from their home or valet their car, ease of access to the Martis Camp chair wins every time. Additionally, a common comment is how warm and inviting the lodge feels. Many tell us how beautiful it is from the outside, but they’re shocked at how cozy and thoughtfully designed it is once they walk through the doors.
Q: What club member services are available at Lookout Lodge?
A: We’re proud to offer a full suite of premium services, including valet parking and a complimentary shuttle that can pick you up right from your home and bring you to the mountain. Members enjoy our elevated food and beverage options, convenient ski and snowboard storage, on-site tuning, and access to limited but high-quality demo skis. Last season, we also introduced our new base grinder, further enhancing the professional tuning experience. Our tiny but mighty retail space offers all daily needs from winter wear, glove, goggles and helmets to a varied selection of skis from Rossignol and Armada.
Q: What are the plans for Après ski for the ’25-’26 season?
A: We host Mountain Music from acoustic guitar to singer/songwriters to DJ’s from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and holiday weekends from December 20th through April 11th. For the first time we are also working with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation to host an Olympic Athlete meet and greet for member families.
Q: What is your favorite ski run at Northstar and what makes it so special?
A: Prosser will always hold a special place in my heart as it is where my wife and I got engaged. Skiing wise if I am out working on technique, Ax handle offers varied intermediate terrain to hone in your skills. On the busier days you are likely to find me hiding out on east ridge on runs like Tonini’s. As for the backside it is great to reference the grooming report as Northstar will rotate grooming less traveled runs such as Rail Splitter and Sierra Grande. If time is tight or I am playing a little hooky on a powder day rarely will I leave the Martis Camp Chair. I guess that is why I enjoy skiing Northstar so much, you can always find groomers for all abilities, and powder stashes often last for days after a storm — you might have to do a little hiking to find it!
Q: If this is the first time a member or guest has skied Northstar California, what advice would you give them?
A: If it’s a member or guest’s first time skiing Northstar California, I always suggest getting familiar with the mountain layout — it has a great mix of terrain, so there’s something for every level. I recommend beginning on the front-side groomers to get a feel for the snow and then exploring the backside and or Lookout Mountain once they’re warmed up. Planning ahead is key, too: taking advantage of services like our valet, home-to-mountain shuttle, gear storage, and on-site tuning can make the day much smoother. And finally, I encourage them to take their time, enjoy the scenery, and stop in for food and drinks at one of the mid-mountain spots to really experience what makes Northstar special.
Q: Tell us a little about the Lookout Lodge expansion a few years ago and how it better serves membership.
A: The expansion has allowed us to elevate the member experience in several meaningful ways. We now offer increased ski and snowboard storage, providing added convenience and organization. The lodge features a larger, cozier space for members and guests to gear up comfortably each morning, and our expanded deck and dining areas create a seamless indoor–outdoor experience that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the ski run.
Q: Is there anything new this year that members should know about?
A: Coming this December we are excited to launch additional features to our member app. Valet will utilize member transponders to recognize cars before they arrive, while also digitalizing our entire valet system. From there our Ambassadors can request members equipment which is saved in members profile. Our shuttles are also being updated to include route optimization, as well as additional ways for members and ambassadors to add requests.
