Mayrhofen Reviews, Ratings and Stats

One of the most beloved ski resorts in Europe, Mayrhofen is a traditional village set within Austria’s Tirolean Valley. It has a solid reputation as being a reliable choice for both families and those seeking a week of wall-to-wall après, making it a great all-rounder. Based only an hour from Innsbruck, this easy-to-reach resort sits at just 633m up - but don’t let that put you off, you can reach up to 2500m in the local ski area, and the Hintertux Glacier is only a short ride up the Zillertal Valley. Most terrain is above the 1500m mark, but the resort has also invested heavily in snowmaking infrastructure, which provides peace of mind.

The town itself is medieval in origin and the first inns here date back to the 17th century. Even the name, Meierhof, comes from the bishop who once resided here. Since 2005 though, this quaint Austrian resort has hosted Snowboming, an electronic dance music festival that descends upon the slopes at the end of the season (it usually takes place in mid-April) in a frenzy of multicoloured madness, with stages occupying most of the resort and much more piste-side partying than usual.

Home to mostly intermediate slopes on the local mountain. Some serious investments in the lift system has seen the installation of 26 new lifts since 2000, making getting around an easy feat. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you won’t have an issue making it from A to B as a regular free ski bus service runs between the lift terminals and serves the central and outlying accommodation zones of the resort.

What's the Skiing Like in Mayrhofen?

Local skiing around Mayrhofen takes place across two areas on the two mountains that flank the resort, Penken and Ahorn. The Ahorn side of resort is mostly easy-to-intermediate runs with a long and steep black run which was once host to a world cup downhill race but has since been removed due to being too dangerous. It’s serviced by the impressive Ahornbahn cablecar which is all south-west facing, making for great mid-morning conditions but slushy afternoons.

On the Penken side of the mountain, which is much more extensive, there’s the famous PenkenPark - a freestyle rider’s mecca with a Pro Area, Advanced Area, Medium Area, MediumJib Area and KidsPark. You can also access the peaks of Horberg, Rastkogel and Eggalm, all of which provide a healthy variation of graded descents and some decent off-piste options - but those really keen for some untouched lines will probably head up the valley to the Hintertux glacier at 3250m. For speed demons who live for downhill descents, don’t miss the legendary Harakiri slope, Austria’s steepest.

Ahorn should definitely be the go-to area for beginners, with some long blue runs that snake through the trees to the Ebenwald lift. The AlbertAdler tour here, on slope 4a, also features child-friendly obstacles and interesting features to enjoy.

Where is Good to Eat Out in Mayrhofen?

There’s a huge range of mountain huts throughout the Mayrhofen ski resort, giving you plenty of choice for lunch on the piste. Situated just above the Gschösswand, the Gschösswandhaus offers a beautiful panoramic view over the Zillertal Valley, serving causal but quality food in a relaxed environment. Most of the huts will also help you get après underway in the early afternoon, giving you an excuse to stop and enjoy the sun from a spacious terrace.

Down in the resort, there’s a mixture of international cuisine sure to satisfy all members of your party. Mo’s Bar is a great all-rounder with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options, while Goldking, Brasserie Q and El Toro Steak & Tapas are more of an elevated evening affair. There’s a range of traditional Austrian eateries too, but Hans the Butcher’s is arguably the most fabled of the lot, with meaty menu that features side dishes of raving.

What's the Après Ski like in Mayrhofen?

Not only is Mayrhofen known for its lively après scene, but it’s also host to the annual Snowbombing festival, which gives you some idea of how seriously this resort likes to party.

Things will usually begin at The Pilzbar, which sits at the top of the Pekenbahn gondola, where pulsating Europop makes for an electric atmosphere. You can take the last lift down from here to avoid skiing intoxicated, and choose to continue the party at Ice Bar, which is just at the bottom of the same lift.

Table dancing is a staple at Bruck n Stadl, where live accordion music brings some authentic Austrian spirit. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Nachtcafe Apropos is more of a cosy and quaint destination where you can enjoy games of pool, cocktails and traditional Austrian hospitality.

What is Mayrhofen Like for Families & Non-Skiers?

There’s a range of features throughout the resort that are geared towards families, as well as an indoor games world which serves as the perfect bad weather plan - the Albertadler Playworld by Ravensburger, which is on the Ahornstrasse. Other family-friendly activities include the tobogganing run.

For non-skiers looking for something equally high-octane in Mayrhofen, our favourite activity is tandem paragliding from the top of Penken all the way down to town. Other options include the usual menu of winter walks, scenic gondola rides, sledding and ice cave excursions. If you’re travelling with a non-skier who is keen to enjoy a spa day, make sure you factor this into your accommodation choice and opt for a hotel with spa facilities.

Accommodation Options in Mayrhofen?

The low altitude of the Mayrhofen town means that there is plenty of ski-in, ski-out accommodation further up from resort which might prove favourable. These include the Ahorn Lodge Apartments and Shcneekarhutte Mountain Lodge. In the centre of the town itself, the Hotel Neue Post and Alpine Hideaway are known for providing a luxurious yet great-value experience.

Snomad Community favourite is the Sport & Spa Hotel Strass, which is conveniently based near the Penkenbahn Lift and so ensures an easy, stress and long walk-free trip.

Environment and Sustainability Practices in Mayrhofen

The Mayrhofen ski resort operates using electricity sourced entirely from renewable energy. Solar panels can also be found throughout the resort to generate solar power and they are actively making efforts to improve the efficiency of artificial snow production.

Pros & Cons of Mayrhofen

Pros

• A great ‘all-rounder’ resort suited to everyone
• Access to high terrain
• Lively après scene

Cons

• The partying might be too intense for many!
• The resort town sits at a low level

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