Crans-Montana vs Andermatt-Sedrun — Which Is Better?

Crans-Montana is the stronger all-round pick here — it offers a larger, more varied mountain than Andermatt-Sedrun. That said, Andermatt-Sedrun is no slouch, and beginners may prefer what it offers. For most holiday skiers, Crans-Montana 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.

Crans-MontanaAndermatt-Sedrun
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
1,500m (4,921ft)1,480m (4,856ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
3,000m (9,843ft)2,961m (9,715ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,500m (4,921ft)1,444m (4,738ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
400cm (157in)700cm (276in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
140120
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
2833
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
140ha (346ac)1,500ha (3,707ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
30%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
20%25%

Category Breakdown

Crans-Montana 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 SnowfallAndermatt-Sedrun wins

Andermatt-Sedrun gets substantially more snow each season — a meaningful edge for powder seekers and late-season skiing.

Beginner TerrainCrans-Montana wins

Crans-Montana has a slight edge in beginner-friendly terrain, with a bit more dedicated green-run acreage.

Mountain SizeCrans-Montana wins

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

Snow PreservationSimilar

Both resorts sit at similar base elevations, so snow quality and preservation are comparable.

Who Should Choose Which?

Crans-Montana
Beginners and families with young children

Crans-Montana has more beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

Crans-Montana
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

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

Andermatt-Sedrun
Powder chasers and late-season skiers

Andermatt-Sedrun gets more snow annually — better odds of fresh powder and better conditions into late season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Crans-Montana or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Crans-Montana is the better pick for beginners. It dedicates more of its mountain to green runs and easy terrain, which means less time hunting for appropriate slopes and more time building confidence.

Which resort gets more snow — Crans-Montana or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Andermatt-Sedrun 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 — Crans-Montana or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Crans-Montana is the larger mountain by trail count (Crans-Montana: 140 trails, Andermatt-Sedrun: 120 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?

Andermatt-Sedrun has a higher percentage of expert terrain. If you're an advanced skier who will spend most of your day on black and double-black runs, that extra challenge is worth considering when choosing between these two.

Which resort is better for families?

Crans-Montana is generally the better family resort based on its terrain mix. More beginner-friendly slopes means children and less experienced parents have plenty of room to ski without feeling pushed beyond their comfort zone. That said, both resorts have established ski schools — check current program reviews before booking.

Related Comparisons

Other matchups featuring these resorts and their regional peers.

Full Stats