Gunstock vs Ragged Mountain — Which Is Better?

Gunstock and Ragged Mountain are genuinely similar mountains. If you're a beginner or intermediate skier planning a week-long holiday, either will keep you busy. The decision probably comes down to travel logistics and price rather than anything you'd notice on the hill.

Side-by-Side Stats

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

GunstockRagged Mountain
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
427m (1,401ft)381m (1,250ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
701m (2,300ft)668m (2,192ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
274m (899ft)287m (942ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
305cm (120in)350cm (138in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
4957
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
86
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
91ha (225ac)89ha (220ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
22%25%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
52%50%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
26%25%

Category Breakdown

These resorts are more alike than different. The right choice depends more on location, price, and personal preference than measurable mountain stats.

Vertical DropSimilar

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

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 SizeSimilar

Both resorts are similar in size — you'll have roughly the same amount of terrain to explore.

Snow PreservationSimilar

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

Who Should Choose Which?

Gunstock
Beginners and families with young children

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Gunstock or Ragged Mountain?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (Gunstock: 22%, Ragged Mountain: 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 — Gunstock or Ragged Mountain?

Gunstock (305 cm/year) and Ragged Mountain (350 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 — Gunstock or Ragged Mountain?

Ragged Mountain is the larger mountain by trail count (Gunstock: 49 trails, Ragged Mountain: 57 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 (Gunstock: 26%, Ragged Mountain: 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 Gunstock and Ragged 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