Crans-Montana vs Stubai Glacier — Which Is Better?

Stubai Glacier comes out ahead overall — it offers better snowfall than Crans-Montana. Crans-Montana still has plenty to offer, especially for intermediate skiers who don't need the biggest mountain. But if you want the fuller experience, Stubai Glacier wins this one.

Side-by-Side Stats

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

Crans-MontanaStubai Glacier
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
1,500m (4,921ft)1,453m (4,767ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
3,000m (9,843ft)3,210m (10,531ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,500m (4,921ft)1,750m (5,741ft)
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
14064
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
2826
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
140ha (346ac)109ha (269ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
30%30%
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%20%

Category Breakdown

Stubai Glacier 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 SnowfallStubai Glacier wins

Stubai Glacier 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 SizeCrans-Montana wins

Crans-Montana is much larger — significantly more trails means more variety and far less chance of skiing the same run twice in a week.

Snow PreservationStubai Glacier wins

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

Who Should Choose Which?

Stubai Glacier
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

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

Stubai Glacier
Powder chasers and late-season skiers

Stubai Glacier 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 Stubai Glacier?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (Crans-Montana: 30%, Stubai Glacier: 30%), 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 — Crans-Montana or Stubai Glacier?

Stubai Glacier 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 Stubai Glacier?

Crans-Montana is the larger mountain by trail count (Crans-Montana: 140 trails, Stubai Glacier: 64 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 (Crans-Montana: 20%, Stubai Glacier: 20%). 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 Crans-Montana and Stubai Glacier 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