Tired of reading articles about nursery slopes and colour-coded ski accessories? Sure, maybe girls look for different things when we ski - the margarita at the sunny outdoor bar is just as important for some of us as the metres of snowfall or the exact angle of each turn. But the ideal girls’ ski day includes some kickass skiing as well, and that’s where Mayrhofen has you covered. With a huge range of pistes for every ability and a stellar selection of après-ski (and during-ski!) bars and cafés, a day with the ladies at Mayrhofen promises to be no lame nursery-slope compromise.
Starting off on the right foot
Lessons are a great option for skiers at any level, whether you’re still perfecting the perfect snowplough or shredding the most imposing of pistes. Not only do ski and snowboard lessons help build the confidence to tackle new techniques, they are also a good way of breaking out of your comfort zone and discovering new parts of the mountain. Plus, group classes are the best way to make new friends! There are seven ski schools in Mayrhofen, but consider Skischule Habelar, which offers specialized ladies-only workshops, 100% testosterone-free.
Break for drinks!
Ok, you’ve worked hard enough this morning. It’s time to get a hot chocolate! Breathtaking panoramic views and a classy ambiance await you at the Freiraum Bistro on Ahorn Mountain. If you’re on Penken Mountain, head to the Gschösswandhaus, nestled in the woods near the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola. This old-fashioned alpine lodge also serves lunch until 3pm; for an authentic Austrian ski holiday experience, order a plate of mouthwatering kaiserschmarrn to accompany your drink.
Making the best of what’s left of the afternoon
If you’re just getting to know Mayrhofen, the XXL tour is a fantastic way to see the whole mountain. The tour is based primarily on red slopes, but it includes the infamous Harakiri, the steepest groomed piste in Austria, so you still get your bragging rights! For a more vertically-oriented way to see the mountain, try the Altitude Guzzler’s tour, featuring spectacular vistas on the challenging Ahorn Valley Tour. Everyone who successfully completes this tour can hand in their card at the ticket counter to receive a certificate. Plus, your name will be entered into a draw to win a season’s pass for next year. For those ladies who are just starting out or who are more interested in easy access to the Igloo Bar, the Ahorn Family tour is the best option, offering breathtaking views and the chance to show off your new skills on the Ahorn Funslope.
Vans Penken Park Mayrhofen
Finally… time for some après-ski!
No girls’ day out would be complete without a (few) well-earned drink(s)! Our favourite place to grab a cocktail is the White Lounge on Ahorn Mountain. The terrace is perfect for bluebird days, or try the Igloo Bar on chillier days, where you can admire the stunning ice sculptures. Can’t face the thought of ever leaving this beautiful place? Book a stay overnight in one of the igloos and enjoy a delicious fondue at the Freiraum Bistro before snuggling up for the night in your cosy sleeping bag.
Tired of reading articles about nursery slopes and colour-coded ski accessories? Sure, maybe girls look for different things when we ski - the margarita at the sunny outdoor bar is just as important for some of us as the metres of snowfall or the exact angle of each turn. But the ideal girls’ ski day includes some kickass skiing as well, and that’s where Mayrhofen has you covered. With a huge range of pistes for every ability and a stellar selection of après-ski (and during-ski!) bars and cafés, a day with the ladies at Mayrhofen promises to be no lame nursery-slope compromise.
Starting off on the right foot
Lessons are a great option for skiers at any level, whether you’re still perfecting the perfect snowplough or shredding the most imposing of pistes. Not only do ski and snowboard lessons help build the confidence to tackle new techniques, they are also a good way of breaking out of your comfort zone and discovering new parts of the mountain. Plus, group classes are the best way to make new friends! There are seven ski schools in Mayrhofen, but consider Skischule Habelar, which offers specialized ladies-only workshops, 100% testosterone-free.
Break for drinks!
Ok, you’ve worked hard enough this morning. It’s time to get a hot chocolate! Breathtaking panoramic views and a classy ambiance await you at the Freiraum Bistro on Ahorn Mountain. If you’re on Penken Mountain, head to the Gschösswandhaus, nestled in the woods near the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola. This old-fashioned alpine lodge also serves lunch until 3pm; for an authentic Austrian ski holiday experience, order a plate of mouthwatering kaiserschmarrn to accompany your drink.
Making the best of what’s left of the afternoon
If you’re just getting to know Mayrhofen, the XXL tour is a fantastic way to see the whole mountain. The tour is based primarily on red slopes, but it includes the infamous Harakiri, the steepest groomed piste in Austria, so you still get your bragging rights! For a more vertically-oriented way to see the mountain, try the Altitude Guzzler’s tour, featuring spectacular vistas on the challenging Ahorn Valley Tour. Everyone who successfully completes this tour can hand in their card at the ticket counter to receive a certificate. Plus, your name will be entered into a draw to win a season’s pass for next year. For those ladies who are just starting out or who are more interested in easy access to the Igloo Bar, the Ahorn Family tour is the best option, offering breathtaking views and the chance to show off your new skills on the Ahorn Funslope.
Vans Penken Park Mayrhofen
Finally… time for some après-ski!
No girls’ day out would be complete without a (few) well-earned drink(s)! Our favourite place to grab a cocktail is the White Lounge on Ahorn Mountain. The terrace is perfect for bluebird days, or try the Igloo Bar on chillier days, where you can admire the stunning ice sculptures. Can’t face the thought of ever leaving this beautiful place? Book a stay overnight in one of the igloos and enjoy a delicious fondue at the Freiraum Bistro before snuggling up for the night in your cosy sleeping bag.
About Danielle
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!