Snow-covered ski slope with forest in the backgroundSnow-covered ski slope with forest in the background

A complete guide to Mayrhofen

Everything you need for your Mayrhofen ski holiday.
13th January, 2025
5 min read time

Mayrhofen is an enchanting ski resort renowned for its dynamic ski area and captivating Alpine charm. As part of the vast Zillertal ski area, Mayrhofen offers an impressive 142 kilometers of meticulously groomed ski runs that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders seeking both adventure and variety.

As one of the best ski resorts in Austria, Mayrhofen guarantees a diverse and exciting skiing experience. We've put this practical guide together to make planning your Mayrhofen ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.

Ready to jump in? Let's get started!

Mayrhofen, Austria - overview

  1. Where is Mayrhofen?
  2. Mayrhofen the resort
  3. Mayrhofen ski area
  4. Skiing in Mayrhofen
  5. Mayrhofen ski season dates
  6. Mayrhofen snow history
  7. Restaurants in Mayrhofen
  8. Things to do in Mayrhofen
  9. Mayrhofen apres ski, and nightlife
  10. Mayrhofen resort map
  11. Practical information

Where is Mayrhofen?

Mayrhofen is located in the Zillertal valley in the state of Tyrol.

For a detailed view of Mayrhofen's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Innsbruck (73 km)

Transfer time

  • Innsbruck (1hr 5min)

Mayrhofen the resort

  • Resort altitude: 630 m
  • Resort permanent residents: 3976
Mayrhofen, exudes a charm that seamlessly blends tradition with liveliness. The town's streets showcase a delightful array of architecture, from quaint timber chalets and artfully frescoed buildings to the eye-catching, onion-domed church. The resort is not just a visual treat; known for its family-friendly and adventurous vibe, Mayrhofen appeals to a wide audience. By day, the town hums with skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes, and by night, the energy shifts to the pubs and clubs, where the après-ski scene comes alive with warmth and excitement.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Great après-skiGets crowded during busy weeks
Perfect for intermediatesFew steep pistes
Fantastic lift systemReaching other resorts might require longer waits on crowded buses
Attractive villageThere are no trails leading back to the village from Penken

Here is how Mayrhofen looks like

Preview of Mayrhofen ski resort showcasing skiers

Watch Mayrhofen on YouTube .

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Mayrhofen ski area

  • Summit elevation: 2500 m
  • Kilometres of pistes: 142 km
  • Vertical drop: 1650 m
  • Ski lifts: 59
Mayrhofen, a key part of the Zillertal valley, provides 142 km of diverse pistes including over 50 runs, comprising 30% blue, 49% red, and 21% black pistes, all seamlessly connected by 59 lifts. Mayrhofen's main ski sectors, include:

  1. Penken: This sector is renowned for a variety of slopes, including Austria's steepest groomed run, the Harakiri.
  2. Ahorn: Perfect for families the area offers scenic, spacious runs, mainly suited to intermediate skiers.
  3. Rastkogel: Offering tranquility and less crowded pistes, this area is ideal for people seeking to ski in a peaceful environment.
  4. Horberg: With its variety of trails, Horberg appeals to all levels, offering challenging black runs for seasoned skiers alongside more forgiving slopes.
  5. Eggalm: This sector provides a blend of scenic routes that cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
  6. Hintertuxer Gletscher: Offering year-round skiing on the glacier, this sector is famous for its reliable snow conditions and a range of pistes, from easy to challenging, including impressive off-piste opportunities.

Skiing in Mayrhofen

Beginners

Mayrhofen's beginner areas, located at the mountain tops, are snowsure and perfect for novices. With locations like Pepis Kinderland on the Penken summit and the Übungsland Penken at the peak of the Penkenbahn, there's ample space to learn. Additionally, the tranquil blues on the Ahorn provide an ideal setting for practice, offering a quieter experience.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers will find Mayrhofen's terrains both diverse and exhilarating. The majority of Penken is tailored for intermediates, with vast stretches ideal for cruising. For those looking to expand their horizons, the Eggalm slopes are a must-visit, allowing skiers to experience an impressive 1000 vertical metres via piste 77. The neighboring Zillertal resorts, especially the Hintertux glacier slopes, further enhance the intermediate skiing experience.

Advanced

Advanced skiers are in for a treat, with challenges like the famed Harakiri piste, known as Austria's steepest groomed slope. Beyond the black runs, which are thrilling yet not overly intimidating, numerous off-piste opportunities await, especially after fresh snowfall. Exploring neighboring Zillertal resorts can provide more advanced terrains, though it's worth noting that the extreme challenges might be limited.

Off-piste

For the adventurers, Mayrhofen boasts 300km of stunning backcountry, with a significant portion accessible via lifts. If trekking appeals, short hikes can unlock more secluded runs. For the best experience, consider hiring a guide to uncover the hidden gems.

Glacier skiing

The Hintertux glacier, accessible from Mayrhofen, is a high-altitude skiing paradise. Covering over 60km of slopes, it's perfect for both confident intermediates and experts. And for those into freestyling, the Betterpark Hintertux, situated at a lofty 3,200m, won't disappoint.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders, rejoice! Mayrhofen's Penken Park stands out as one of Europe's premier spots. From the pro line's half pipes and jumps to beginner-friendly areas, there's something for every enthusiast. And for a taste of untouched powder, nearby Kaltenbach, covered in your lift pass, offers quieter slopes for an uninterrupted boarding experience.

Mayrhofen ski season dates

The ski season in Mayrhofen for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 20th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Mayrhofen this season, be sure to explore our Mayrhofen ski deals for the best ski offers available.

Mayrhofen snow history

Mayrhofen offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 18 cm and 22 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 18 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.4 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Mayrhofen, with an impressive 28 cm of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 11 cm of snow over 2.0 days.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December18 cm3.0 days
January22 cm3.5 days
February18 cm3.4 days
March16 cm3.2 days
April11 cm2.0 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Mayrhofen

Mountain restaurants

  • The Schneekar: Located high up in the mountains, this restaurant offers panoramic views, making it a perfect spot to relax and refuel after a skiing session.
  • Grillhofalm: Situated amidst the skiing slopes, Grillhofalm is the go-to destination for hearty mountain cuisine. Its rustic setting paired with delightful dishes makes it a favorite among skiers.
  • White Lounge: Beyond just a restaurant, White Lounge boasts an ice bar and igloo hotel, making it a one-of-a-kind mountain dining experience.

Resort restaurants

  • Wirtshaus Zum Griena: Renowned for its authentic Tyrolean cuisine, this traditional inn has been serving guests for centuries.
  • Mamma Mia: If you're in the mood for Italian in the heart of Austria, Mamma Mia delivers.
  • El Toro: A surprising mix of Austrian and Spanish flavors, El Toro offers tapas, steaks, and more.
  • Gasser: Known for its delicious baked goods and pastries, Gasser is a favorite for both breakfast and afternoon snacks.
  • Berg & Tal: This modern eatery serves up both local and international dishes.
  • Manni: A lively spot, Manni combines good food with entertainment.

Things to do in Mayrhofen

  • Curling
  • Bowling
  • Gym
  • Swimming pool & spa
  • Ice skating
  • Sleigh rides
  • Snowshoe walking
  • Paragliding

Mayrhofen apres ski and nightlife

Après ski bars

  • Pilzbar: Renowned as the ultimate après-ski hotspot, Pilzbar offers a lively atmosphere right off the slopes.
  • Ice Bar: True to its name, Ice Bar promises a chilling experience in a unique icy setting.
  • Bruck’n Stadl: A classic choice for après-ski enthusiasts, Bruck’n Stadl is always buzzing with energy.

Nightclubs

  • Scotland Yard: As Mayrhofen's quintessential nightclub, Scotland Yard promises a night of dancing, music, and fun.
  • Mike’s Sportsbar: While it may sound like a typical sports bar, come nighttime, Mike’s transforms into one of Mayrhofen’s lively dance spots.

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Mayrhofen resort map

mayrhofen resort map

Download Mayrhofen resort map here

Practical information

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