Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen Ski Resort

Located in the heart of the Austrian Zillertal Valley, Mayrhofen is a resort for all – whether you’re looking for a family holiday or a week of lively après.

Although the 139km of local slopes might sound slightly limited, there is excellent variety and with fast lifts at every corner – there’s been 26 new lifts here since 2000. Access has been improved significantly thanks to the Penkenbahn gondola from town and new this year is the Möslbahn, another fast gondola to whisk skiers and boarders up to the Penken mountain. Be sure to purchase the Zillertaler Superskipass for your stay at it covers the entire valley – there’s 530km of pistes and the Hintertux Glacier to explore.

The town itself has something for everyone, including families and those looking to party. Try and stay as close to the Penkenbahn as possible for the easiest access to the slopes, but don’t worry if you’re further out as the bus system in the valley is very good.

The Ski Club Leader Service has been running in the resort for many years and is still a great draw for members – we’re in town this year between 5th January and 16th March. The club also hosts a dedicated social hour at Mo's Café, the perfect setting for a post-skiing beer.

And before you head out to the resort this season, be sure to join the 100+ community of Mayrhofen-mad Ski Club members on the Mayrhofen Facebook Page.

Our Mayrhofen Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 

Mayrhofen Skiing

The 139km of local slopes are best suited to intermediates, but there are some good challenges above Finkenberg and in the Harakari, Mayrhofen claims to have the steepest groomed slope in Austria. There are some good beginner areas, both at the top of the Penkenbahn and on the Penken summit itself. Add in the rest of the Zillertal resorts – including Fügen, Kaltenbach, Zell am Ziller and the Hintertux Glacier – and the ski area becomes even more impressive.

• Total Pistes: 139 km (530km in the Zillertal Valley)
• Blue: 29%
• Red: 47%
• Black: 24%
• Additional Ski Routes: 8.7km
• Lifts: 45 (180 in the Zillertal Valley)
• Altitude: 630m – 2500m

For Beginners

You do have to ride up the mountain to access the beginner areas, but this does mean that they are snowsure as the resort itself is at a lowly altitude of 630m. Once up the mountain however and there are some fantastic beginner areas – including Pepis Kinderland on the Penken summit, the Übungsland Penken at the top of the Penkenbahn. The gentle blues on the Ahorn are also recommended for beginners and this sector is usually quieter.

For Intermediates

Most of the Penken is suitable for intermediates and there is some great cruising across the mountain. The slopes of Eggalm are also well worth exploring and here it’s possible to notch up 1000 vertical metres via piste 77. Adventurous intermediates will certainly want to explore the other resorts in the Zillertal, especially the glacial slopes at Hintertux and the extensive network of linked reds of the Hochzillertal area above Kaltenbach and Fügen.

For Advanced/Expert

Of course there’s the 78% Harakari piste, which rightly has a reputation as a very steep and challenging run. Elsewhere the blacks are much less intimidating, but there is some great off piste in the area following fresh snowfall. Advanced skiers will want to clock up the miles by visiting as many of the other resorts in the Zillertal as possible – but note that none of the resorts offer serious challenges for experts.

Mayrhofen Piste Map

The piste map for the Penken mountain can be downloaded here.

Mayrhofen Ski Pass Prices

A day pass only covers Mayrhofen but passes of two or more days include the whole Zillertal Valley. Season passes for the entire valley are a very reasonable €742 for adults. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Mayrhofen Season Dates

• Penken: 1st December 2018 – 22nd April 2019
• Horberg: 1st December 2018 – 22nd April 2019
• Ahorn: 15th December 2018 – 22nd April 2019

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Mayrhofen Resort

Even as the village has grown, the buildings have stayed traditional in design and for its size it is quite attractive. The steep valley makes for impressive scenery but it does mean that in mid-winter the town is often in the shade. Crucially the valley road bypasses the village so the centre is very quiet, albeit not completely pedestrianised.

For Families

There are some great family-friendly hotels in Mayrhofen and childcare in the resort is reportedly very good. Although the learning areas are up the hill, they are excellent, and it means you can head off skiing straight after dropping the kids off at ski school. The Erlebnisbad swimming complex is very popular on bad weather days.

For Après

Mayrhofen has a great reputation for après. It all kicks off at the top of the Penkenbahn in the Pilzbar and unlike in most resorts, the download down the gondola makes for a safe return afterwards. Revellers then pour off the gondola into Ice Bar and Bruck’n Stadl where the table dancing kicks off. We’d also recommend Mike’s Sportsbar – it is very popular with Brits and has live sport on big screens. Snowbombing, one of the biggest events in the Alps, is hosted here every spring, attracting the likes of Liam Gallagher and The Prodigy.

How to get to Mayrhofen

Innsbruck is the closest airport and sits only an hour away by car or transfer, whilst the train takes just under two hours. Both Munich and Salzburg are just over two hours away by road, although public transport will take at least an hour longer.

• Innsbruck airport: 1 hour (driving) or 2 hours (by train)
• Munich airport: 2 hours (driving) or 3 hours (by train)
• Salzburg airport: 2 hours (driving) or 3 hours (by train)
• Calais: approximately 14 hours driving (696 miles)

Mayrhofen Contact Details

• Website: www.mayrhofen.at
• Email: info@mayrhofen.at
• Telephone: +43 52 85 67 60
• Facebook: @mayrhofen.hippach.zillertal
• Instagram: @mayrhofenimzillertal
• Twitter: @Mayrhofen