Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has all the ingredients for a perfect wtiner trip. Located just 43 miles from Innsbruck the resort welcomes hoards of holiday makers every year. It offers the largest ski area in the Ziller valley and is linked with Hippach, Tux, Finkenberg and Eggalm/Rastkogel and all together offers 142km of pistes. The highest peak is only 2500 metres so in later months it can suffer from poor snow conditions, but there’s plenty of snowmaking to cover the main trails. The Zillertal superski pass allows you to visit other resorts in the area such as the snow sure Hintertux glacier and extends the available terrain to an impressive 506km.

The ski area Mountopolis, located in the heart of the Tyrolean mountains and surrounded by impressive 3,000-meter peaks, not only spoils its guests with 142 kilometers of perfectly prepared pistes and 60 modern lifts, but also shows how sporty and versatile, stylish and relaxed, and surprising and exciting the winter season in Zillertal can be.

If sporting challenges are what you are looking for, Mount Penken is the place for you. For example, the bravest of the brave can try to tackle the legendary  Harakiri , Austria's steepest slope adventure with a gradient of 78 percent. It’s the most challenging slope in the Zillertal and should only be attempted by experts. Another action highlight is the  PenkenPark , one of the best snowparks in Europe. In its five areas for different skill levels, beginners can try their first jumps, advanced riders can hone their style, and pros can get some serious airtime on huge kickers. Also, speed junkies will love the  RacingParadise Unterberg  and its three permanently timed race courses Gold, Silver and Bronze . But thanks to plenty of leisurely slopes, Penken also has a calm and cozy side. The FunRide Gerent  is a real highlight for fun lovers, with it's child-friendly obstacles, curves and snail turns. TIP: Enjoy the  WinterHikingPath "Zeitreise" . It starts at the mountain station of the Penkenbahn.

Mount Ahorn is a perfect winter wonderland for families and pleasure seekers. The wide pistes are ideal both for carving and for beginners to try out skiing and snowboarding. If action is what you're looking for, try the  FunRide Ahorn  with its Family Park, the  AlbertAdler Tour  on Piste 4a or the demanding 5.5-km-long ValleyRun Ahorn down to Mayrhofen. Ahorn also has plenty of free-time activities for non-skiers. For instance, you can go on a  winter hike  on the Panorama Trail towards the FalknerOase , where the Birds of Prey of the Eagles Stage Ahorn have their winter home or to Filzenkogel, which offers breathtaking views and a summit book to leave your note.  A fast ride with the PistenBock offers a very special tobogganing experience and lots of fun for young and old. TIP: Enjoy a hearty and delicious mountain breakfast in one of the cozy mountain restaurants.

 

In the early days, Mayrhofen had the reputation of being a bit of a hard boot carver’s place; this has changed dramatically and today there’s a large crowd of freeriders and freestylers checking out the terrain. The world class Penken Park located in the centre of the resort helps attract a healthy freestyle crowd. For the not so advanced freestylers they have some smaller kickers and rails just next to the one for the pros. 

For those staying in the centre of Mayrhofen, the only way up and down is the Penkenbahn gondola as it is not possible to board back into Mayrhofen. Even though the lift is high speed, there can still be big queues early in the day. To avoid the crowds you can take the free ski bus to the Finkenberg or Mühlbach Gondolas or stroll over to the 160-person cable-car that’ll take you to the Ahorn a beginners haven. 

Lots of people who head to Mayrhofen also check out the  other local mountains in the area. The Hintertux Glacier is a 20km drive further down the valley, this is the only resort in Austria to be open 365 days a year. It offers snow sure conditions if you hit a patchy snow week in Mayrhofen it’s more than worth a visit but bare in mind in peak season the crowds do flock here. 

Another nice place for a day trip is the small resort of Kaltenbach, this place often has lots of untracked powder after a dump because no one goes there! You can also take the same train to Zell am Ziller, and then a bus or taxi to their lifst. It’s well worth a visit as it is a large area linked to Gerlos and Konigsleiten, which is famous for its tree runs.