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Questions & Answers

We know that you will have questions about Our Condo, Northstar, and the surrounding areas and would also like to see pictures. We hope that the following questions, responses and pictures will provide this information.

General Condo, Equipment And Furnishings

  1. fitness center
    How well equipped is your condo/kitchen?
    Our condo is extremely well equipped so that your stay will be very enjoyable. All appliances and furnishings are top-of-the line. We do not want to "rough it" when we are there so we have equipped it with that in mind. We've even put in a central vacuum system and humidifier.

  2. Are there any condiments or food in the condo for us to use?
    Salt and pepper are always in the condo; other items you should bring. We ask that you take all of your food supplies with you when you leave.

  3. recreation center
    How far is your condo from the ski slopes and the village? From the parking lot and the shuttle bus stop?
    The ski slopes and village are less than a mile from our condo. Take a short walk to the end of the parking lot for the free shuttle bus that runs every 7-10 minutes during the winter. At other times, call for a shuttle bus pick up. Our condo is right beside the parking lot.

  4. What is the maximum occupancy of the condo?
    The condo may be occupied by no more than 8 persons, including adults and children.

  5. lap pool
    How large is your condo?
    The condo is approximately 1400 square feet and includes: living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, master bedroom, 2 twin bedrooms, laundry, and deck. The master bedroom is at the entry level; up half a flight of stairs are the living and dining rooms, one bathroom, kitchen, and deck. Down a half flight of stairs from the entry are two twin bedrooms, another bath, and the laundry room. There is an outside storage area, opposite the front door, for your skis, snowboards, and related equipment. Shovels and brooms are also in the closet.

  6. Is there a view from your condo?
    The views from the condo are incredible! You look out over pine covered mountains and in the far distance you can see the mountains of Squaw Valley.

  7. hot tub
    Does your condo have a sauna and/or a jacuzzi?
    We do not have either but both are available at the recreation center for our guests.

  8. What cleaning is expected of us prior to checkout?
    While our housekeeper will complete the cleaning after you check-out, we ask that you do the following: strip the sheets off the beds you have used; begin the wash (beginning with the towels); put all trash in the parking lot dumpster: and empty the refrigerator of your items. Other checkout instructions are on the front door and include some final reminders, such as opening all doors under the sinks.

  9. Are pets allowed?
    We do not allow pets in the condo. Some of us suffer from allergies caused by them.

  10. What about smoking in the condo?
    Smoking is not permitted in the condo. You are welcome to smoke outside of the condo. Any violation of this policy will result in the loss of your security deposit.

  11. Where do we store our skis, snowboards, and tubes?
    These items should be stored in the outside closet, opposite the front door.

  12. Do we have to shovel the walks and parking area?
    The condo association is responsible for the walkways, steps, and parking lots. For safety reasons, you may want to do additional cleaning of the landing and steps - shovels and brooms are provided in the ski closet.

  13. How do we get the shuttle bus?
    Using the shuttle bus to get to the village/ski lifts means that no one has to do any driving and guests may come and go at different times during the day. Leave our condo and walk to the end of the parking lot, less than a two-minute walk. The shuttle will pick you up at the "top of the circle" and take you to the village/ski lifts or other places of interest in Northstar

  14. Why do we need to use parking permits? Suppose we need more than one?
    Northstar parking is restricted to owners and guests. The parking pass that we send to you needs to be placed on your dashboard. If you need additional passes, please let us know. Security will first issue a warning and then put a block on one of the tires of any car without a pass or permit.

  15. Who do we contact if an emergency in the condo arises?
    These numbers are located in the condo and contained in a binder of important information in the kitchen drawer below the phone.

  16. What kind of heating does your condo have? We have gas forced air heating. In order to make the dry winter air more comfortable, we have added a humidifier. There is also a wood burning fireplace with fan and glass doors. We provide firewood for your use.

Roads, Traveling And Weather

  1. What is the best route to your condo? Are chains required in winter?
    The best route to our condo is to take Interstate 80 to state highway 267. Go six miles south on 267 to Northstar Drive. Chains may be required in winter but both 80 and 267 are usually open. The roads in Northstar are county roads and they are also plowed.

  2. What happens if highways 80 and/or 267 are closed?
    We will adhere to Northstar's policy whenever the roads are closed. Both 80 and 267 are interstate and state roads respectively and are kept open except in cases of severe winter weather.

  3. What happens if we make a winter reservation and there is no snow or we don't like the weather?
    It would be great if we could guarantee perfect weather conditions but that is not possible.

Local Attractions

  1. How far is your condo from: Lake Tahoe, north shore, Reno, gambling, shopping?
    Our condo is six miles from Lake Tahoe and six miles from Truckee, traveling on highway 267. Once you are at Lake Tahoe, it is about 5 miles to the Nevada state line and gambling. Truckee has many stores including Safeway and Albertson's, Starbucks, outstanding restaurants, and Payless. For the best bakery items try the Treatbox Bakery in Truckee, just behind the 7-11 store. We think you'll love their angel food chocolate chip cookies. Earthly Delights Bakery, on West River Road, has a wonderful assortment of freshly baked breads. Reno is 40 miles away. Major carriers fly in to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport.

  2. What kind of shops and stores are in Northstar?
    There is a great variety of shops and stores that include a restaurant, pizza parlor, grocery and deli, clothing and ski shop, ski and snowboard rentals, and storage lockers.

  3. Are there child care facilities for young children when parents are skiing?
    Childcare for children 2-6 (must be toilet trained) is available in the Northstar village. It is a good idea to make your reservations in advance.

  4. Are we still able to purchase ski tickets even if Northstar has a "sell-out" day?
    Absolutely! We leave our homeowner I.D. cards in the condo by the phone. This allows you to buy tickets at any time during the day, even on sell-out days. These cards also give you entry to the recreation center, located next to Northstar village.

  5. How do we gain access to the recreation center facilities?
    Use the homeowner I.D. cards that are kept on hooks on the kitchen wall by the phone. We've put them on chain necklaces so they are easy to slip around your neck. This is also a good place to put them when you are skiing.






John & Nancy Villarreal
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