I have been boarding in Tahoe (Northstar at Tahoe) for the last 6 years and Northstar was a gem that I only discovered 3 years ago and it's the reason I return to the States every year! The boarder parks are top notch with just the right levels of beginner, intermediate and advanced, coupled with this there are a lot of steep tree runs through powder to explore. The main piste runs are all nice and wide for beginners and there are a varied amount of runs to choose from. Food is good on the mountain with a wide choice of meals and the main town is great for apres-ski shopping. There are no picture perfect views of the lake at Northstar but the drive from Heavenly (40 mins max) skirts the lake with some fantastic vistas to stop off at and take in the scenery. If you are going to Tahoe you must visit Northstar. You will not be disappointed!