Northstar’s 40th birthday bash tomorrow

Shaun White will be hosting

NORTHSTAR — Snowboarder-extraordinaire Shaun White will be at Northstar California ski resort this Saturday. But his famed long, red locks will not.

If you can’t pick out White in a crowd on Saturday, no worries. The professional snowboarder looks a little different after getting his hair cut Tuesday, donating the trimmed red hair to “Locks of Love,” which provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

“I have been thinking about this for awhile,” White said on a YouTube video on Tuesday, in a clip titled, ‘It’s Only Hair.’ “But it’s for a good cause so I wanna do it. Somebody needs it more than I do.”

The Flying Tomato now looks fairly straight-laced, which is not exactly his image on or off the slopes.

After turning in an awe-inspiring performance to win the Dew Tour iON Mountain Championships in Breckenridge over the weekend, White has a less strenuous upcoming weekend planned — Northstar’s 40th birthday bash.

White will be the host for Northstar California ski resort’s 40th birthday party tomorrow. Northstar is located on Highway 267, just six miles north of Lake Tahoe and six miles south of downtown Truckee.

The event takes place 40 years to the day that Northstar opened for skiing for the first time. More activities have been added to the day’s agenda for resort guests to participate in including a special First Tracks event.

“I’m honored that Northstar asked me to help them celebrate their 40th birthday. In true Northstar fashion, we’re going to do it big,” said White, who is a Northstar team athlete. “I’ll be giving out snowboarding pointers at the Burton Academy Clinic and doing some après celebrating in the Village. See you there.”

White trains at Northstar

Northstar became a second home last year for White, who represents Vail Resorts Inc., which owns Northstar, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood. Northstar built a huge, 22-foot high Superpipe last winter for White to train on when he visits to practice.

Last week, White took first place at the Dew event despite only returning to his snowboard six days prior to the competition after an off-season knee surgery. He qualified second in the semi-finals behind 2010 Olympic bronze medalist, Scotty Lago, placing him second to last in the start order in Saturday’s final.

In the finals, White executed a near-perfect run that included a very large and stylish backside air, consecutive double cork 1080s, and his patented double Mctwist 1260. Judges rewarded White with a score of 95.25.

White and Northstar COO Bill Rock will lead the crowd in a complimentary sparkling cider and s’mores toast at 4 p.m. in the Village at Northstar, followed by a 1970’s costume contest and après party at Tavern 6330’ in the Village, an opportunity for guests of all ages to celebrate.

For skiers and snowboarders who want to get out on the slopes early in the day, there will be a First Tracks & Breakfast. With a First Tracks ticket, advanced skiers and riders ages 13-above are provided access to mountain starting at 7:30 a.m., with special access to the mile-long advanced trails on the Backside before they’re open to the general public.

The $80 ticket also includes a full breakfast buffet at the Zephyr Lodge. A lift ticket or season pass is required. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made by calling the Tickets & Season Pass office at 800 466-6784.

White giving snowboarding tips

Kids ages 7-above can sign up for the Burton Snowboard Academy and will be treated to a visit from White during their lesson. Those interested in participating in the clinic are invited to sign up in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. The lesson includes a Burton snowboard rental, all day coaching, and an all day limited access lift ticket providing access to beginner lifts and terrain.

Visit NorthstarCalifornia.com or call 800 466-6784 for more information.