Your guide to Mayrhofen Ski Resort in Austria

(580m - 3250m)

Mayrhofen is a popular favourite with the British mainly due to its reasonable accommodation prices and lively après ski scene. Slopes rise to 2500m so snow is relatively sure, however what sets this ski resort apart from many other Austrian ones is its close proximity to Hintertux – which is arguably one of the world’s best glacier resorts.

Great for…

  • Apres-ski Apres-ski
  • Non-skiers Non-skiers
  • Off-piste Off-piste

Resort at a glance

★★★Beginner
★★★★Intermediate
★★★Advanced
★★★★Off-Piste
★★★★Snowboarding
★★★Snow Reliability
★★★Extent
★★★★★Apres-Ski
★★Mountain Restaurants
★★★Scenery
★★★Village Charm
★★★★Non-Skiers
Ski Lifts53
Resort Altitude630m
Pistes159kms
Ski Range580m – 3250m
Green Runs
Blue Runs43
Red Runs75
Black Runs15
Local Lift Pass€52 (per day)
Area Lift Pass€249 (6 days)
Transfer TimeInnsbruck 1hr 30mins
Transfer DaySaturday
Tourist BoardWebsite
Weather
Snow Report
WebcamWebcam
Piste MapPiste Map

The Slopes

mayrhofenThe slopes of Mayrhofen are split into 5 main areas, none of which are particularly big individually but when added together they form an impressive total of 159km of skiable terrain. The main area is Penken which is accessed directly from Mayrhofen via the Penken gondola. Be sure to get to the gondola early however, as long queues do tend to form here first thing in the morning. Penken can also be accessed from the quieter village of Finkenberg located a couple of miles further down the valley road and this is often the better option for quicker access to the slopes.

On Penken there are a number of blue and red runs, however many of the slopes are on the slightly difficult side, great for adventurous intermediates but not ideal for those of a slightly nervous disposition. From Penken the areas of Horberg and Rastkogel can also be accessed, both of these contain an equal variety of red and blue runs. From Rastkogel you can take a gondola down directly to the village of Lanersbach from which the slopes of the Eggalm area can be accessed. Across the valley from Mayrhofen the smallest area and final area Ahorn is located. This area is often the quietest and the best area for beginners to progress on to.

Finally it is worth mentioning that Mayrhofen's lift pass the Zillertaler Superski pass gives you access to a total of 625km of slopes in the Ziller valley including numerous other smaller resorts and the world famous Hintertux glacier.


Apres-Ski

Mayrhofen is known for its lively apres ski scene which starts early on the slopes and finishes late. There is a wide range of venues to suit all tastes and pockets.

One of the liveliest spots is the Sporthotel Strass - it has 6 different bars including the Ice Bar, a sports lounge and also a terrace bar with live music. Other places worth trying are Niki's Schirmbar, Mo’s, Funky’s and of course the Brückenstadl. There are also the Prinz Charles Pub, Piccadilly and the lively Coup & More, quieter options include the Happy End and some of the hotel bars.

If you are looking to carry on till late then don’t miss Scotland Yard, The Garage, Apropos or the White Lounge Igloo Bar which is part of the Igloo village - you can even spend the night up here in the ‘cool’ Igloo hotel.

If you are looking for a boogie then visit the Speak Easy Disco in the Sporthotel Strass or Brucke’s Schlussel Alm.


Eating Out

Mayrhofen has a vast range of restaurants suiting every palate and budget - everything from traditional local cuisine to Chinese and other international fayre and many restaurants are family run.

Traditional Tyrolean cuisine can be found at the Perauer restaurant in the Hotel Gasthof and also at the Wirtshaus zum Griena which is in a 400 year old farmhouse.

Grill Küchl is a more up market restaurant, the Kramerwirt is worth a try, as is the restaurant in the Hotel Neuhaus and of course the Sissi Stube in the Hotel Elisabeth. Mexican can be found at The Bar'n'Grill, Mo’s Diner serves American food and Chinese can be found at the Singapore. Italian is on offer at the Gasthof Edelweiss, Manni’s Hotel, Mamma Mia’s, La Fontana and La Vita to name but a few.


Other Activities

Mayrhofen has plenty to keep you occupied on and off the slopes. Traditional winter activities such as tobogganing, ice skating and ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, paragliding and many more are on offer, you can also take a trip to nearby Igls for the bobsleigh.

There are plenty of shops in the town and you can also visit nearby Innsbruck in you fancy a change of scene. There is also a swimming pool complex with saunas, solaria and slides along with a beautiful spa.


Ski School

Mayrhofen has a number of different ski and snowboarding schools offering tuition to all ages and abilities.

The Ski School SMT Mayrhofen has group lessons starting from €69 for 4 hours over 1 day and from €160 for 4 hours per day for 6 days. Private lessons start from €104 for 2 hours and from €165 for 4 hours, they also do freeride and off piste tuition.

The Skischule Die Roten Profis (The Red Professionals) has group lessons starting from €69 for 4 hours in 1 day and from €161 for 5 days with 4 hours per day, they also do intensive group lessons of 2 hours per day. Private lessons start from €119 for 2 hours.

The Ski School Mayhofen Habeler has group lessons starting from €69 for 4 hours and from €165 for 6 days tuition with 4 hours per day. Private lessons start from €110 for 2 hours, or from €190 for 4 hours.

There is also the Ski School Mayrhofen 3000, group lessons start from €69 for 4 hours in one day with 6 days starting from €159, private lessons start from €104 for 2 hours or €166 for 4 hours.

Where to stay in Mayrhofen, Austria

Hotel Kristall

Hotel Kristall

★★★

This cosy, traditional hotel has some amazing views, just 5 minutes from the centre of resort and 10 minutes to the gondola, there is also a wellness area with sauna and steam room.

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Hotel Strass

Hotel Strass

★★★★

Located next to the Penmen gondola, this lively hotel has plenty of entertainment and adjoins the Sporthotel too, each of the bedrooms also have a balcony to enjoy the stunning views.

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Chalet Hotel Ferienhof

Chalet Hotel Ferienhof

★★★★

This welcoming chalet hotel is in a quiet location just 400m from the lifts, giving you easy access to the slopes and nightlife, they also have a wellness area helping you relax at the end of the day.

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Hotel Neuhaus

Hotel Neuhaus

★★★★

If you are looking for charm and character, look no further, this hotel has it in abundance, the wood panelled dining room makes you feel right at home, there is also a stunning indoor pool.

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Landhaus Mayrhofen

Landhaus Mayrhofen

★★★

If you’re looking for more for your money then consider this 3 star hotel with access to 4 star facilities. An annexe to the Neuhaus Hotel, guests have the same service, meals and spa facilities but simpler rooms.

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