49 Degrees North vs Isola 2000 — Which Is Better?

49 Degrees North is the stronger all-round pick here — it offers better snowfall than Isola 2000. That said, Isola 2000 is no slouch, and beginners may prefer what it offers. For most holiday skiers, 49 Degrees North delivers more mountain for your trip.

Side-by-Side Stats

Highlighted cells indicate the stronger result for each metric. Numbers are measurements — compare them directly.

49 Degrees NorthIsola 2000
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
565m (1,854ft)610m (2,001ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
1,808m (5,932ft)2,610m (8,563ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,243m (4,078ft)2,000m (6,562ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
763cm (300in)500cm (197in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
8043
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
721
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
1,187ha (2,933ac)120ha (297ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
25%25%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
50%50%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
25%25%

Category Breakdown

49 Degrees North edges ahead in more categories, though the gap is close. Both are excellent resorts.

Vertical DropSimilar

Both resorts have comparable vertical drop — you'll get a similar length run at either mountain.

Annual Snowfall49 Degrees North wins

49 Degrees North gets substantially more snow each season — a meaningful edge for powder seekers and late-season skiing.

Beginner TerrainSimilar

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of beginner terrain — neither has a meaningful edge for first-timers.

Mountain Size49 Degrees North wins

49 Degrees North is much larger — significantly more trails means more variety and far less chance of skiing the same run twice in a week.

Snow PreservationIsola 2000 wins

Isola 2000's higher base elevation helps snow stay cold and dry longer — better conditions through the day and into spring.

Who Should Choose Which?

49 Degrees North
Beginners and families with young children

49 Degrees North has a comparable amount of beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

49 Degrees North
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

49 Degrees North wins on the stats that matter most for experienced skiers — more mountain to explore over a full week.

49 Degrees North
Powder chasers and late-season skiers

49 Degrees North gets more snow annually — better odds of fresh powder and better conditions into late season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — 49 Degrees North or Isola 2000?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (49 Degrees North: 25%, Isola 2000: 25%), so neither has a clear edge for first-timers. Focus on which resort offers better ski school programs and convenience for your group.

Which resort gets more snow — 49 Degrees North or Isola 2000?

49 Degrees North gets more snow on average. That translates to better powder days, longer seasons, and more reliable conditions throughout January and February.

Which mountain is bigger — 49 Degrees North or Isola 2000?

49 Degrees North is the larger mountain by trail count (49 Degrees North: 80 trails, Isola 2000: 43 trails). On a week-long trip, a bigger mountain means more variety and a lower chance of feeling like you've exhausted the terrain.

Which has better terrain for expert skiers?

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of advanced terrain (49 Degrees North: 25%, Isola 2000: 25%). Expert skiers should look beyond percentages at the quality of the black runs, off-piste access, and whether there's lift-accessed backcountry terrain.

Which resort is better for families?

Both 49 Degrees North and Isola 2000 are similarly suited to families. Look at ski school quality, on-mountain kids' facilities, and accommodation proximity to lifts when making your final decision — those practical factors matter more than raw stats for a family trip.

Related Comparisons

Other matchups featuring these resorts and their regional peers.

Full Stats