Cerro Catedral vs Cannon Mountain — Which Is Better?

Cerro Catedral is the stronger all-round pick here — it offers more vertical than Cannon Mountain. That said, Cannon Mountain is no slouch, and beginners may prefer what it offers. For most holiday skiers, Cerro Catedral 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.

Cerro CatedralCannon Mountain
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
1,010m (3,314ft)645m (2,116ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
2,101m (6,893ft)1,280m (4,199ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,050m (3,445ft)634m (2,080ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
400cm (157in)410cm (161in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
7097
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
2311
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
600ha (1,483ac)113ha (279ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
30%32%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
40%36%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
30%32%

Category Breakdown

Cerro Catedral edges ahead in more categories, though the gap is close. Both are excellent resorts.

Vertical DropCerro Catedral wins

Cerro Catedral has somewhat more vertical drop, giving a slightly longer ride on most runs.

Annual SnowfallSimilar

Both resorts receive similar annual snowfall — you can expect comparable snow conditions at either.

Beginner TerrainSimilar

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

Mountain SizeCannon Mountain wins

Cannon Mountain is noticeably larger, with more trails to explore over a multi-day trip.

Snow PreservationCerro Catedral wins

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

Who Should Choose Which?

Cerro Catedral
Beginners and families with young children

Cerro Catedral has a comparable amount of beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

Cerro Catedral
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Cerro Catedral or Cannon Mountain?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (Cerro Catedral: 30%, Cannon Mountain: 32%), 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 — Cerro Catedral or Cannon Mountain?

Cerro Catedral (400 cm/year) and Cannon Mountain (410 cm/year) receive similar annual snowfall. Neither has a meaningful snow advantage — other factors like aspect, elevation, and grooming matter more day-to-day.

Which mountain is bigger — Cerro Catedral or Cannon Mountain?

Cannon Mountain is the larger mountain by trail count (Cerro Catedral: 70 trails, Cannon Mountain: 97 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 (Cerro Catedral: 30%, Cannon Mountain: 32%). 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 Cerro Catedral and Cannon Mountain 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