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Snowplaza’s top 6 classic alpine restaurants in Mayrhofen

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. Read on to discover Snowplaza’s top 6 picks.

Schneekarhütte

A classic sight on Horberg Mountain, the Schneekarhütte is famous for its beautiful glass pyramids, which blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape. Along with many other fresh, regionally inspired dishes, they serve possibly the best kaiserschmarrn in Mayrhofen - if you haven’t yet tried this Tyrolean delicacy, then you’d better hop to it.

How to get there: The Schneekarhütte is located near the top of the Unterbergalm lift

The Schneekarhütte

Lärchwaldhütte

Recently reopened in 2015, the Lärchwaldhütte offers some peace and quiet off the beaten track. Come here to recharge your batteries before heading out for more skiing after lunch.

How to get there: The Lärchwaldhütte is located at the top of the Lärchwald lift.

The Lärchwaldhütte

Jausenstation Tappenalm

The Jausenstation Tappenalm is a classic alpine hut; warm up with a hot glass of glühwein in a traditional setting or opt for a bite to eat between runs.

How to get there: The Jausenstation Tappenalm is located at the bottom of blue run 8, between Mount Penken and Horberg Mountain.

The Jausenstation Tappenalm

Café-Bistro Freiraum

An eco-friendly architectural sensation, the Café-Bistro Freiraum offers unbeatable views from its open-air patio. Inside, you will find a comfortable lounge atmosphere to accompany the delectable food and wine. They also take event bookings; I can’t think of a more sensational setting for a party!

How to get there: The Freiraum is the summit station of the Ahornbahn gondola.

The Café-Bistro Freiraum

Penken Panorahmarestaurant

The Penken Panorahmarestaurant offers - you guessed it - striking panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps. Serving international fare in a casual setting, it has the added advantage of being right next to the Harakiri piste, so if you fail to conquer this legend, you can come here to drown your sorrows!

How to get there: The Penken Panorahmarestaurant is located near the Knorren-Penken lift.

(c) Penken Panorahmarestaurant

Gschösswandhaus

This idyllic hut tucked behind the trees near the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola is Mayrhofen’s best-kept secret. A small operation run by hosts Christa and Gerhard, here you can sit and enjoy a healthy “fitness salad” or some spinach dumplings in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The sun terrace is a lovely option for nice days.

How to get there: From the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola, go towards the “Babylift” and follow the signs.

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. Read on to discover Snowplaza’s top 6 picks.

Schneekarhütte

A classic sight on Horberg Mountain, the Schneekarhütte is famous for its beautiful glass pyramids, which blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape. Along with many other fresh, regionally inspired dishes, they serve possibly the best kaiserschmarrn in Mayrhofen - if you haven’t yet tried this Tyrolean delicacy, then you’d better hop to it.

How to get there: The Schneekarhütte is located near the top of the Unterbergalm lift

The Schneekarhütte

Lärchwaldhütte

Recently reopened in 2015, the Lärchwaldhütte offers some peace and quiet off the beaten track. Come here to recharge your batteries before heading out for more skiing after lunch.

How to get there: The Lärchwaldhütte is located at the top of the Lärchwald lift.

The Lärchwaldhütte

Jausenstation Tappenalm

The Jausenstation Tappenalm is a classic alpine hut; warm up with a hot glass of glühwein in a traditional setting or opt for a bite to eat between runs.

How to get there: The Jausenstation Tappenalm is located at the bottom of blue run 8, between Mount Penken and Horberg Mountain.

The Jausenstation Tappenalm

Café-Bistro Freiraum

An eco-friendly architectural sensation, the Café-Bistro Freiraum offers unbeatable views from its open-air patio. Inside, you will find a comfortable lounge atmosphere to accompany the delectable food and wine. They also take event bookings; I can’t think of a more sensational setting for a party!

How to get there: The Freiraum is the summit station of the Ahornbahn gondola.

The Café-Bistro Freiraum

Penken Panorahmarestaurant

The Penken Panorahmarestaurant offers - you guessed it - striking panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps. Serving international fare in a casual setting, it has the added advantage of being right next to the Harakiri piste, so if you fail to conquer this legend, you can come here to drown your sorrows!

How to get there: The Penken Panorahmarestaurant is located near the Knorren-Penken lift.

(c) Penken Panorahmarestaurant

Gschösswandhaus

This idyllic hut tucked behind the trees near the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola is Mayrhofen’s best-kept secret. A small operation run by hosts Christa and Gerhard, here you can sit and enjoy a healthy “fitness salad” or some spinach dumplings in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The sun terrace is a lovely option for nice days.

How to get there: From the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola, go towards the “Babylift” and follow the signs.

184 - Winter - Danielle

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!