Kicking Horse Mountain Resort vs Andermatt-Sedrun — Which Is Better?

Andermatt-Sedrun comes out ahead overall — it offers more vertical than Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort still has plenty to offer, especially for intermediate skiers who don't need the biggest mountain. But if you want the fuller experience, Andermatt-Sedrun wins this one.

Side-by-Side Stats

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

Kicking Horse Mountain ResortAndermatt-Sedrun
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
1,260m (4,134ft)1,480m (4,856ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
2,450m (8,038ft)2,961m (9,715ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,190m (3,904ft)1,444m (4,738ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
762cm (300in)700cm (276in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
129120
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
633
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
1,133ha (2,800ac)1,500ha (3,707ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
20%25%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
20%50%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
60%25%

Category Breakdown

Andermatt-Sedrun has a clear edge across most measurable categories. It's the stronger choice for most skiers making this comparison.

Vertical DropAndermatt-Sedrun wins

Andermatt-Sedrun 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 TerrainAndermatt-Sedrun wins

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

Mountain SizeSimilar

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

Snow PreservationAndermatt-Sedrun wins

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

Who Should Choose Which?

Andermatt-Sedrun
Beginners and families with young children

Andermatt-Sedrun has more dedicated beginner terrain, making it a better fit for first-timers or parents skiing with young kids.

Andermatt-Sedrun
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

Andermatt-Sedrun 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 — Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Andermatt-Sedrun 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 — Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (762 cm/year) and Andermatt-Sedrun (700 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 — Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or Andermatt-Sedrun?

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the larger mountain by trail count (Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: 129 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?

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 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?

Andermatt-Sedrun 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