Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is one of the most popular and dynamic ski resorts in Austria, nestled in the heart of the Zillertal Valley in the Tyrol region. With a rich skiing heritage dating back decades, it has evolved into a world-class destination that caters to every type of winter sports enthusiast — from adrenaline-seeking experts to families looking for a relaxed holiday on the slopes.

The Ski Area

Mayrhofen offers access to two main ski mountains, each with its own distinct character. The resort is part of the wider Zillertal 3000 ski area, and with the Zillertal Superskipass, visitors can explore over 530 km of slopes across the entire valley.

• Penken (2,095 m) — The main ski mountain, accessed directly from the village via the Penkenbahn gondola. Penken offers a diverse mix of terrain including wide intermediate cruisers, the legendary Harakiri piste (Austria’s steepest groomed run at 78% gradient), and the renowned Vans Penken Park for freestyle enthusiasts.
• Ahorn (2,000 m) — A family-friendly mountain with gentle, wide slopes perfect for beginners and intermediates. The Ahorn plateau also features a panoramic restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
• Hintertux Glacier (3,250 m) — Just a 20-minute drive up the valley, this year-round glacier offers snow-sure skiing at high altitude with spectacular panoramic views. Accessible with the Zillertal Superskipass.

What Makes Mayrhofen Special

Few resorts in the Alps combine such varied terrain with genuine Tyrolean atmosphere. Here are the highlights that set Mayrhofen apart:

• The Harakiri — At 78% gradient, it’s Austria’s steepest groomed piste and a bucket-list challenge for advanced skiers
• Vans Penken Park — One of Europe’s top snowparks with pro lines, medium features, and a beginner zone
• Snow reliability — With the Hintertux Glacier nearby, skiing is guaranteed from October through May
• Modern lift infrastructure — The Penkenbahn 2.0 gondola, opened recently, whisks 3,600 passengers per hour to the summit in just 6 minutes
• Zillertal Superskipass — One pass covers 542 km of slopes and 180 lifts across the entire valley

Village & Après-Ski

The village of Mayrhofen itself is a vibrant hub of Tyrolean hospitality. Traditional wooden chalets line the main street, housing everything from cosy restaurants serving Kaiserschmarrn and Tiroler Gröstl to bustling bars where the après-ski party starts as early as 3 PM.

The legendary Brück’n Stadl and Ice Bar are among the most famous après-ski venues in the Alps, drawing crowds with live music and a lively atmosphere. For those seeking something quieter, there are excellent spa facilities and traditional Gasthäuser throughout the village.

Getting There

Mayrhofen is easily accessible from Innsbruck Airport (75 km, about 1 hour by car) and from Munich Airport (approximately 2.5 hours). The resort is also connected by rail, with the Zillertal Railway running regular services from Jenbach station on the main Innsbruck-Munich line.