A favourite ski resort in the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen has it all - the steepest piste in Austria, a great variety of beginner and intermediate terrain and stunning views from the top of the Ahorn and Penken mountains. But Mayrhofen and the surrounding Zillertal Valley are not just for skiers and snowboarders - the region is equally as famous for its outstanding après-ski scene and popular festivals. Also on offer are a plethora of alternative sports and activities to satisfy even the most discerning of visitors. Check out our top six picks below.
Explore everything the region has to offer on your own two feet with a winter hiking tour. You can rent snowshoes in the town and spend all day carousing in the snow, and all night, too - many of the trails are lit. There are plenty of options for grabbing a bite to eat along the way when you need to refuel if you plan your trip accordingly. A pedestrian lift ticket offers even better access to the mountain. For semi-skiers, cross-country ski tours of the Ziller Valley are also a great option.
Snowshoeing in Mayrhofen
If for some strange reason you’re not scared of heights and you love getting an adrenaline rush but you don’t feel like skiing, then you should see a doctor. Oops, did we say that out loud? We meant to say that if you’re looking for the ultimate exhilaration without the snow factor, then perhaps you should consider paragliding. Looking down on Mayrhofen town and the Zillertal Alps from on high, you’ll be in your own personal little paradise. Be sure to bring warm clothes, as you’ll be landing in a soft pile of fluffy snow.
Paragliding in the Zillertal valley
Unable to ski, but still dying to get out on the mountain? No problem! Mayrhofen is the only place in Europe to offer Snow Limo Tours, the convenient and comfortable way to experience the thrill of skiing without actually having to strap those skinny little boards to your feet. Let your experienced guide drive you down the mountain as you just sit back and relax - a great way to get the most out of a non-skiing trip to Mayrhofen.
Snow Limo Tours
What winter is complete without a sledge ride? There are many options for renting toboggans in the Mayrhofen area so you don’t have to lug yours all the way from home. For a special night with friends or family, the Tristenbachalm mountain hut stays open in the evenings upon request. An equally fun budget option, the nearby Gerlosstein ski resort offers a snow tubing hill, free of charge. There are also a few options for horse-drawn carriage rides. After a few rides down the hill, you’ve earned your glühwein, so head to a nearby chalet to warm up.
Sledge rides
Nobody said you had to ski first in order to enjoy après-ski! It would be a pity to visit Mayrhofen without partaking in a little fun at one of the many bars sprinkled around Mayrhofen. Start off the afternoon with lunch at the Café-Bistro Freiraum, conveniently situated at the top of the Ahornbahn Gondola. Other easily accessible huts with a great view include the White Lounge, the Pilzbar or the Schneekarhütte. Brück ’n Stadl is the rowdiest après-ski joint; for a more upscale venue, head to the Harakiri Bar.
(c) Arena Club Mayrhofen
In addition to an adorable Advent wonderland for the kids, this year at Mayrhofen marks the first Christmas edition of the Altitude Comedy Festival, coming up in mid-December and featuring world-class comedians from far and wide. In the spring, the Snowbombing Music Festival draws crowds from all over Europe. But there’s never a dull moment at Mayrhofen - check the event calendar to see what’s happening when you’re there.
Advent at Mayrhofen
A favourite ski resort in the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen has it all - the steepest piste in Austria, a great variety of beginner and intermediate terrain and stunning views from the top of the Ahorn and Penken mountains. But Mayrhofen and the surrounding Zillertal Valley are not just for skiers and snowboarders - the region is equally as famous for its outstanding après-ski scene and popular festivals. Also on offer are a plethora of alternative sports and activities to satisfy even the most discerning of visitors. Check out our top six picks below.
Explore everything the region has to offer on your own two feet with a winter hiking tour. You can rent snowshoes in the town and spend all day carousing in the snow, and all night, too - many of the trails are lit. There are plenty of options for grabbing a bite to eat along the way when you need to refuel if you plan your trip accordingly. A pedestrian lift ticket offers even better access to the mountain. For semi-skiers, cross-country ski tours of the Ziller Valley are also a great option.
Snowshoeing in Mayrhofen
If for some strange reason you’re not scared of heights and you love getting an adrenaline rush but you don’t feel like skiing, then you should see a doctor. Oops, did we say that out loud? We meant to say that if you’re looking for the ultimate exhilaration without the snow factor, then perhaps you should consider paragliding. Looking down on Mayrhofen town and the Zillertal Alps from on high, you’ll be in your own personal little paradise. Be sure to bring warm clothes, as you’ll be landing in a soft pile of fluffy snow.
Paragliding in the Zillertal valley
Unable to ski, but still dying to get out on the mountain? No problem! Mayrhofen is the only place in Europe to offer Snow Limo Tours, the convenient and comfortable way to experience the thrill of skiing without actually having to strap those skinny little boards to your feet. Let your experienced guide drive you down the mountain as you just sit back and relax - a great way to get the most out of a non-skiing trip to Mayrhofen.
Snow Limo Tours
What winter is complete without a sledge ride? There are many options for renting toboggans in the Mayrhofen area so you don’t have to lug yours all the way from home. For a special night with friends or family, the Tristenbachalm mountain hut stays open in the evenings upon request. An equally fun budget option, the nearby Gerlosstein ski resort offers a snow tubing hill, free of charge. There are also a few options for horse-drawn carriage rides. After a few rides down the hill, you’ve earned your glühwein, so head to a nearby chalet to warm up.
Sledge rides
Nobody said you had to ski first in order to enjoy après-ski! It would be a pity to visit Mayrhofen without partaking in a little fun at one of the many bars sprinkled around Mayrhofen. Start off the afternoon with lunch at the Café-Bistro Freiraum, conveniently situated at the top of the Ahornbahn Gondola. Other easily accessible huts with a great view include the White Lounge, the Pilzbar or the Schneekarhütte. Brück ’n Stadl is the rowdiest après-ski joint; for a more upscale venue, head to the Harakiri Bar.
(c) Arena Club Mayrhofen
In addition to an adorable Advent wonderland for the kids, this year at Mayrhofen marks the first Christmas edition of the Altitude Comedy Festival, coming up in mid-December and featuring world-class comedians from far and wide. In the spring, the Snowbombing Music Festival draws crowds from all over Europe. But there’s never a dull moment at Mayrhofen - check the event calendar to see what’s happening when you’re there.
Advent at Mayrhofen
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!
