Mayrhofen, Austria, is one of the best-known ski resorts in the Ziller Valley. Offering old-world charm and a vast playground of perfectly groomed peachy pistes for skiers and boarders, there’s plenty of fun to be had both on and off the slopes.
Mayrhofen's 142km ski area is split between Ahorn and Penken. With wide, cruisy runs, beginners and families flock to Ahorn, while Penken lures thrill-seekers with the legendary Harakiri run – the steepest piste in Austria, reaching a staggering 78% incline.
And if that wasn’t enough, a 30min bus ride takes you up to the mighty Hintertux glacier – with snow-sure skiing up to 3,200m, the pistes up here are open all year round!
Snow Limo Tours - Tour the slopes hands-free while someone else handles the hard work with a Snow Limo Tour.
Tobogganing & snow tubing - Hire toboggans and hit the runs, or head Ginzling Winter Magic for free tubing!
Erlebnissennerei Zillertal Dairy & Show Farm - Try some local cheese and milk, and feed the goats while you’re at it!
Erlebnisbad Mayrhofen Adventure Pool - Make a splash at this kid-friendly pool -Fun for the whole family!
Zillergrund Rock Day Spa - Grab a day pass and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and drinks alongside spas, steam baths, and pools overlooking the Zillertal Alps.
Restaurants in Mayrhofen
Wirtshaus zum Griena - Housed in a 400-year-old cabin, this place is full of character, family-friendly and fuss-free.
Perauer (Gasthof Hotel) - If you’re after a taste of hearty Tyrolean cuisine, this cosy restaurant blends modern cuisine with 300 years of tradition to serve up delicious local bites.
Goldkind - Indulge in colourful plates of contemporary, Euro-inspired food at this stylish café for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Nightlife & Apres in Mayrhofen
The aprés in Mayrhofen is vibrant and varied, from lively mountain taverns to cosy pubs - something for every kind of night owl.
WhiteLounge SnowBar -Located right in the heart of the action, grab a drink and soak up the views!
Pilzbar - Get the evening started at this apres-ski hotspot on the slopes. Sink some well-earned beers and sway those hips!
Bruck’n Stadl - One of Mayrhofen’s all-time classic apres ski bars. It’s normally packed with skiers piling off nearby pistes.
Scotland Yard - If you don’t want the fun to stop, dance to live bands and DJs at Scottys, a previous police station.
FAQs about Mayrhofen ski holidays Your questions answered by our Mayrhofen ski resort expert
Luckily, on the whole, the ski season in France is longer than many of its Alpine neighbours, as it runs from December until the end of April.
In January, you’ll stand the best chance of bucketloads of powdery goodness. And while March and April typically bring on sunnier days, big dumps of late-season snow are not unheard of.
If a snow-sure resort is a must-have for your holiday, without the need for planning around the best time to ski, then check out high-altitude ski resorts, like Val Thorens or Tignes with their consistent snow conditions all season long.
And finally, if you want to know the best time to ski in France to skip the crowds, then avoid the school holidays if you can, or choose from one of many lesser-known, quieter resorts.
Are Mayrhofen ski holidays snow sure?
Yes. On the whole, the snow in Mayrhofen is stellar all season. January and February are the most reliable months for fluffy white slopes, but the half-term holiday weeks can get busy. When the temperatures rise in March and April, the snow can be a bit less predictable. Still, there’s always the option to ski on nearby Hintertux Glacier, offering high-altitude snow-sure pistes 360 days a year.
What are the snow conditions in Mayrhofen
Snow conditions are generally good from mid-December to early April, especially on higher slopes. Lower runs closer to the resort village may be more impacted by warmer weather, but the higher slopes on the Hintertux Glacier offer high-altitude, snowy pistes up to 360 days a year.
When’s the best time to book an Mayrhofen ski holiday?
Mayrhofen ski resort officially opens in mid-December and closes in late April. For a magical time with the kids or a romantic break for two, a pre-Christmas Mayrhofen ski holiday won’t disappoint, with twinkling lights, winter markets, and plenty of festive fun.
Want to party? The après scene really kicks off later in the season, and April sees the annual Snowbombing Festivalcome to town – world-renowned DJs and bands take over the mountains for six days of non-stop music and partying.
Is Mayrhofen a high-altitude ski resort?
Yes. Although the village of Mayrhofen sits at around 630m, which is considered low altitude, skiing in the area reaches up to 2,500m. The Hintertux Glacier nearby reaches up to 3,250m.
Is Mayrhofen good for beginner ski holidays?
Yes, Mayrhofen is great for beginner skiing holidays, with gentle nursery slopes and excellent ski schools. The Ahorn area is especially popular for first-time skiers, with wider, more forgiving pistes.
Is Mayrhofen suitable for family ski trips?
Yes. Mayrhofen is an excellent choice for family ski holidays, offering child-friendly ski areas and quality ski schools. There are also heaps of non-ski activities, such as swimming pools and winter walks, should you fancy it.
Is Mayrhofen ski resort good for expert and advanced skiers?
Yes. Advanced and expert skiers will enjoy the challenging terrain, including steep pistes and excellent off-piste opportunities.
For those seeking a real thrill, the Harakiri run is definitely worth the trip. It's one of Austria’s steepest marked slopes.
Is Mayrhofen good for snowboard holidays?
Yes, Mayrhofen make a fantastic pick for a snowboard holiday. Broad slopes and modern lifts make runs here super snowboard-friendly, and Mayrhofen is also home to Penken Park, one of Europe’s best terrain parks.
Is Mayrhofen linked to any other ski resorts?
Yes, Mayrhofen makes up part of the larger Ski Zillertal 3000 area, which includes several nearby resorts, such as the Hintertux Glacier and Finkenberg. These areas are connected by efficient ski buses and trains rather than lifts.
Can you go night skiing in Mayrhofen?
Yes, night skiing is available in Mayrhofen on selected evenings in the Ahorn area, which hosts regular floodlit skiing sessions throughout the winter season.
Hotels & Apartments in Mayrhofen
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists
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