Mayrhofen is one of Austria’s liveliest and most popular ski resorts. The rather low-lying village is set amidst the world-class Ski Zillertal 3000 ski area, one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria with almost 200km of slopes. Thanks to the nearby Hintertux Glacier, skiers and snowboarders can count on guaranteed snow cover on their visit to Mayrhofen. The Hintertux Glacier is included in the Ski Zillertal 3000 lift pass and the glacier ski area is connected to Mayrhofen with a free ski bus.

The ski slopes of Mayrhofen are predominantly rather steep and not particularly long, making it a great place for experienced skiers who like to keep on the move. For the seriously adventurous skier there are 22km of black runs including the infamous Harakiri, which is not for the faint-hearted! Mayrhofen is on every top 10 après-ski destinations list and is the proud host of the Snowbombing Festival, one of the best music festivals in the Alps which draws thousands of skiers and snowboarders every year to catch some of the biggest international music acts. New for the 2018-19 ski season is the Möslbahn10-person gondola, which connects the village of Mösl with the heart of the Mount Penken ski area.

Action or Leisure?

Mayrhofen's ski area is divided into two sections: Action Mount Penken and Leisure Mount Ahorn. Home to the ski resorts of Finkenberg, Rastkogel and Eggalm, Mount Penken is geared more towards freestylers and other adrenaline junkies. The Penken Park is equipped with jumps and different features for all abilities, with a separate kids' snow park where rookie freestylers can gain confidence. And who hasn't heard of the infamous Harakiri piste? This practically vertical groomed piste is Austria's steepest slope experience, with a maximum gradient of 78%. Other slopes on offer at Mount Penken include timed slalom courses and a Ski Movie piste where you can film yourself as you race down the slopes. Mount Ahorn is your go-to for a more relaxing experience. Here you'll find easier terrain, including the Fun Ride Ahorn funslope and a 5.5km run that winds lazily down to the valley. For the ultimate experience, visit the White Lounge Igloo Village, which boasts not only a terrace with panoramic views but also an Ice Bar and the possibility to stay overnight in an igloo at 2000m above sea level.

Fun off the slopes in Mayrhofen

Non-skiers and anyone looking to take a break from skiing and snowboarding are in good hands at Mayrhofen. Skidooing, snow tubing, paragliding, tobogganing, ice skating, sleigh rides, snow shoe hikes, horse riding and bowling are just a few of the many activities available in Mayrhofen. Toboggans can be rented at the White Lounge Igloo Village for use on the specially designated area on Mount Ahorn. Mayrhofen was the first ski resort in Europe to offer Snow Limo Tours, specially adapted "limos" that allow even non-skiers to experience the thrill of rushing down the snow. Apart from Snowbombing, annual events at Mayrhofen include the Altitude Comedy Festival and the ever-popular Advent wonderland.

Ski holidays with the family

Mayrhofen makes it easy to take ski holidays with the family, as it's dedicated an entire mountain to beginner skiers. Mount Ahorn's fun, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes even the youngest skiers and sets you up with everything you need for a successful family ski holiday. The competent ski instructors will ensure your kids have a positive experience on the slopes, and the youngest tots can take their first turns in the Kinderland Horberg, a beginner's area with a magic carpet and T-lift. When it's time for a day off from skiing, you can take a family trip through the Zillertal Valley on the old-fashioned Zillertalbahn or hit up the leisure centre and spend a day splashing about in the pool and daring each other on the giant waterslide. Wuppy's Kinderland offers childcare for children as young as 3 months old.

Skiing isn't skiing without après-ski!

Mayrhofen is also known for its après-ski scene, with institutions such as the Ice Bar, the Brück ’n Stadl and the Arena nightclub keeping the beats going and the drinks flowing. Whether you choose to start drinking on or off the slopes, you can be sure that the party will keep going for hours at Mayrhofen!

Apres-ski & entertainment Mayrhofen
Restaurants 78	Theatre -
Bars & cafes 36	Casino
Nightclubs & discos 4	Concert hall
Cinema 1

Ski school and ski lessons Mayrhofen
No. of ski schools 7	Private ski lessons € 50
No. of ski instructors -	Ski lessons4 Days, 20 Hours, € 162
Area for beginners	Snowboarding lessons4 Days, 20 Hours, € 145
Ski lessons in	Cross-country skiingYes, price on request

Facilities Mayrhofen
No. of hotels 176	Supermarkets 14
Total no. of hotel beds 8117	Banks
Total no. of beds 19162

Mayrhofen for families and children
Childcare	Magic carpet
Playground	Ski lift for children
Merry-go-round

Leisure & sports activities Mayrhofen
Public sauna	Footpaths 72 km
Fitness centre	Torchlight descent -
Public solarium	Indoor ice rink -
Massage	Outdoor ice rink
Spa & wellness	Curling
Indoor swimming pool	Snow rafting -
Hot air ballooning -	Dog sledding -
Paragliding	Snowmobile tours
Indoor tennis court	Toboggan run
Squash court

Ski blog about Mayrhofen

The infamous Harakiri: Steepest slope adventure in Austria

2 October 2019 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Is it a cliff? Is it a ski jump? No, it’s the Harakiri piste in Mayrhofen ski resort, renowned for being Austria’s steepest slope adventure and a must-do for every serious skier or snowboarder. With a vertical drop of 375m over a kilometre and a half, the Harakiri reaches an inclination of up to 78%. Fall here and it’s a long way down! Snowplaza has tested the piste and come back with some techniques with which to conquer this infamous Penken legend. Plan your Mayrhofen ski holiday and see it fo... More ›
(Photo: © Mayrhofen)

Top 10 ski resorts to visit with a group of friends

30 August 2019 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

Nothing beats a ski holiday with a group of your closest friends! No matter if half the group wants to tackle black pistes and the other half is still on nursery slopes, you can be sure everyone will get a chance to bond at the après-ski. Loads of ski resorts make it easy to book group packages that include accommodation, ski pass and even rental equipment. All that's left is to narrow down the top ski areas for a group holiday with friends!... More ›
(Photo: © Miranda Muller)

Möslbahn: New 10-person gondola planned for Mayrhofen

22 March 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

In another push to provide skiers and snowboarders with the latest in technology, Mayrhofen is planning to unveil a new 10-seater gondola next winter. Scheduled to open for the 2018/2019 ski season, the future “Möslbahn” will transport approximately 2000 skiers and snowboarders an hour up Mount Penken, in the heart of the Tyrolean ski resort. With varied, demanding slopes and plenty of activities to offer both on and off the slopes, this ski resort in the Zillertal Valley has earned a well-des... More ›

13 super high-altitude ski resorts

22 February 2018 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

High-altitude ski resorts have the best snow and the best views, whether you’re in the Alps or the Rocky Mountains. Glacier ski resorts in particular have the added advantage of being open during the summer months so you can pursue your love for skiing and snowboarding unhindered. If you’re hankering after panoramic vistas and guaranteed snow, you’ll ideally want to choose a ski resort that sits around 3000m or higher. To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a list of thirteen of the best hig... More ›

Snowplaza’s top 6 classic alpine restaurants in Mayrhofen

4 April 2017 by Danielle in 'Ski areas'' | 0

A glistening ribbon of snow spread out over the Zillertal valley, the Mayrhofen ski resort offers many kilometres of pistes at a variety of levels that will keep even the keenest of skiers busy for hours. But when it’s finally time to take a break, some of us will argue that the hunt for the perfect alpine restaurant is just as important as the skiing itself! Luckily for all you hungry athletes, Mayrhofen has ample options for on-mountain dining, all of them steeped in genuine Tyrolean charm. ... More ›