A primer on what to do, where to go, and how to live the ultimate Martis Camp weekend.
It could be that you’re new to the Truckee/Tahoe area and are wondering what’s out there that you can do in the course of a couple days. Then again, it could be the opposite, that you’ve practically seen it all, done it all, and are wondering what else is left to do and how to shake up what may have become routine.
Not to worry, we’ve got you covered on both accounts with some suggestions for experiencing the perfect winter weekend at Martis Camp. All you need is a cup of curiosity, a dash of energy, and a willingness to get out and see all the possibilities that surround you. With that in mind, let’s hop into your next weekend at Martis Camp.
Day 1: From a morning in the forest to a candlelight dinner.
8 am – Coffee and pastries at The Perk.
Just because you’ve woken up doesn’t mean you’re totally awake. That’s where a slow cup of joe comes in, along with a fresh pastry, all of which will serve well to get you psyched up for the next chapter of your day.
9 am – Hop into your snowshoes and step into the forest.
Little did you know that you’ve spent your whole life practicing for this moment: snowshoeing. It’s as easy (well, almost) as walking. Step into a pair, grab a couple of ski poles, dress accordingly, and you’re set. We’ve got complimentary snowshoes waiting for you and your clan at The Family Barn. Just come on down and we’ll set you up.
As for where to go, you’ll find 26 miles of trails flocked in wintertime bliss throughout The Camp that begin right beyond the Family Barn. A little further afield is Donner Lake State Park with trails winding throughout the park, culminating with breathtaking shoreline views of the lake itself. There’s even an intriguing museum filled with wonderful stories, exhibits, and displays.
Noon – Make hay at the Family Barn.
After a morning of activity, the Family Barn appears as the ideal midday rendezvous. Not only will you be able to refill on lunch at the old-fashioned soda fountain, but you can also take this time to gear down by sitting back and relaxing to a movie in the theater, playing billiards, or bowling a few frames on the hardwood. The Art Loft calls to those with creative desires while the nearby sled hill satisfies those who still have plenty of gas in the tank after a morning in the woods. In short, plenty of options abound at the Family Barn for a great way to fill in an afternoon.
6:30 pm – Wine, dine and reflect on the day with dinner at the Camp Lodge.
That bottle of wine you’ve dreamt of? The steak you just ordered? And that dessert to close out the evening? You’ve earned it all with that day of life you jumped into. And if a full-on formal dinner in the Cliff Room isn’t in the cards, you can always enjoy an impeccably prepared casual dinner at the bar.
At any rate, fuel up. Day Two is just around the corner.
Day 2: From moguls to massages to an après martini.
8 am – Breakfast at Lookout Lodge.
You’re going to need this pleasant little fuel-up as you’ve got a memorable day before you. So head on up to the Lookout Lodge, coffee-up, throw in a bellyful of goodness, grab an eyeful of mountain towering above, and get ready to tackle the day. If you prefer, you can even turn to your free slopeside shuttle to get you and your gear here, a little gesture that makes the day a whole lot sunnier.
9 am – Buckle up and hit the hill.
Just steps beyond the breakfast table is the high-speed Martis Camp Express, the simplest route to one of the west’s finest resorts – Northstar California. There’s also a boot up room for members, allowing you to go from slippers to ski boots. Once you’ve clicked into your skis and boarded the chair, you’re set for one amazing morning on that mountain containing 3,170 skiable acres, 100 trails, 21 lifts, and a village straight from the Swiss Alps.
Noon – Lunch al fresco at the Lookout Lodge.
Drop down Lookout Mountain of Northstar and you’ll be skiing right up to that south-facing deck of Lookout Lodge. Just catch wind of a burger from midway down Prosser Run and follow your nose. The sun, music, and amazing food make this the ideal midday break.
Afternoon – Burn some turns or make a beeline for the Spa.
If the morning on the mountain was merely an appetizer, then treat yourself to a couple more hours of carving the slopes. Then again, you may be drawn to the notion of an afternoon at The Spa at Martis Camp, located in the Camp Lodge. Here, you’ll find a lengthy assortment of massage therapies, body treatments, skin and nail care, wellness and beauty services, or even a well-deserved exhale in one of the saunas.
4 pm onward – Let us après!
The only thing better than slipping out of your ski boots is doing so while indulging in some late afternoon sunshine, a cold brew, and music on the deck at The Lookout Lodge. Truckee has mastered the art of après with a lively seen throughout town. A few options include RMU, a ski shop with a fully stocked bar and restaurant, Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar with its classic perch overlooking Truckee, and Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats where the atmosphere is amped up with an eclectic serving of live music. Treat yourself to a post-ski day at any of these places and you’ll also be able to transition right into an amazing meal that helps wrap up your perfect weekend.
Written by Scott Mortimore
Photography by Paul Hamill Photography and Katey Hamill Photography
