Mayrhofen is located in the upper Zillertal. The lively town attracts many visitors and holidaymakers again and again with a wonderful mountain world, wonderful hiking trails and interesting sights. In winter, the countless downhill runs make the hearts of winter sports enthusiasts beat faster. Nature lovers prefer to enjoy the summer in the mountains, with their countless hiking trails and the Zillertal mountain railways. Mayrhofen is the perfect holiday destination – because action, relaxation and fun are guaranteed here!

Above the clouds

Excitement is in the air when the majestic birds fly over the heads of the spectators at the Ahorn Eagle Stage in Mayrhofen and demonstrate their spectacular flight manoeuvres. The one-hour bird of prey demonstration is a real highlight and takes place almost daily from mid-June to mid-October. From the mountain station of the Ahornbahn, the Adlerbühne can be reached in about 10 minutes.

Good prospects

To experience Mayrhofen yourself from a bird’s eye view and enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama – that is not so difficult. A paragliding flight from Action Mountain Penken to Mayrhofen offers this unique experience, because Mayrhofen is known for its special thermals and therefore offers wonderful high-altitude flights.

The view of the mountains

If you want it a little more down-to-earth, you can take the Ahornbahn cable car to the leisure mountain Ahorn in a good 7 minutes. The Ahornbahn is the largest aerial tramway in Austria. The view through the huge panoramic glass fronts of the mountains is really impressive.

Fun and action

The action mountain Penken is the ideal destination for adventurers. Whether in summer or winter – there is always something going on here. The fun station is located directly at the reservoir of the Action Mountain. Who dares to roll over the reservoir with the large and air-filled Funballz? Or should it be a little more leisurely? With a mountain scooter, the mountain world can be explored comfortably on two different routes.

Pure Harakiri

In winter, brave winter sports enthusiasts can expect the steepest piste experience on the Penken. With a gradient of 78 percent, the “Harakiri” is the blackest slope in the entire Zillertal. It should therefore really only be skied by real experts. Exciting, but less dangerous, is the snowpark. The park, which makes every snowboarder’s heart beat faster, is located in the Horberg Valley on Action Mountain Penken. On the other hand, the Pistenbock on the Ahorn leisure mountain in Mayrhofen takes you downhill, a real tobogganing fun for young and old. The Pistenböcke can be rented at the bar of the White Lounge igloo village.

All cheese?

How does fresh milk from happy cows actually become cheese? If you want to learn more about this, you should visit the Zillertal Adventure Dairy. Through glass panes, the path from hay milk to cheese, butter or yoghurt can be precisely observed. If you get hungry for the delicacies afterwards, you can of course also taste them on the terrace, in the milk bar or in the restaurant. Of course, you can also take your favorite cheese home with you.

Amazement at the dam wall

Via the Schlegeis Alpine Road, you can reach the idyllic Schlegeis reservoir at 1,800 metres above sea level. Here you can take a hike around the lake or take an interesting tour of the Schlegeis dam. Inside the dam wall, the numerous measuring and control equipment, as well as the history of the 725-metre-long wall, are explained very well by expert staff.

The bells of Mayrhofen

In the centre of Mayrhofen is the white octagonal building with a Gothic choir and a church tower with a pointed spire. The 4 bells (twelve-bell bell, festive bell, prayer and work bell, soul bell) of the parish church weigh a total of 3,800 kilos. The church was built at the end of the 16th century. Also worth seeing is the impressive ceiling painting “Rose of Jericho” by Max Weiler.

Puffing through the Zillertal

Tourists and friends of historic steam locomotives can explore the beautiful Zillertal wonderfully and without stress with the steam train of the Zillertalbahn. With a maximum speed of 35 km/h, the nostalgic train covers a distance of 32 kilometres between Jenbach and Mayrhofen.

Facts about the ski resort in Mayrhofen

1. Location and accessibility

• Geographical location: Mayrhofen is located in the upper Zillertal in Tyrol, Austria.
• Accessibility: The ski area is easily accessible by car, bus or train. The nearest train station is in Mayrhofen, and from there there is a direct cable car connection to the ski area.

2. Slope length and variety

• Total length of slopes: The Mayrhofen ski area offers a total of around 142 kilometres of slopes.
• Schwierigkeitsgrade:
  • Blue slopes (easy): approx. 40 km
  • Red slopes (medium): approx. 66 km
  • Black slopes (difficult): Approx. 36 km, including the legendary “Harakiri” run.
• Altitude: The slopes are located at an altitude of between 630 and 2,500 meters above sea level, which ensures snow-sure conditions.

3. Lifts and facilities

• Number of lifts: There are a total of 45 lifts, including modern gondola lifts, chairlifts and T-bar lifts.
• Modern infrastructure: The lifts offer a high transport capacity and are well distributed to minimise waiting times. The Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn are particularly fast and comfortable.

4. Ski season

• Duration: The peak season usually starts in early December and lasts until mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
• Snow reliability: Thanks to the altitude and state-of-the-art snow-making facilities, snow is guaranteed in winter.

5. Special highlights

• “Harakiri” slope: With a gradient of up to 78%, the Harakiri slope is one of the steepest groomed slopes in Austria and a highlight for experienced skiers.
• Penken Panorama Park: Here, winter sports enthusiasts can expect a magnificent panorama with various mountain peaks in the background.
• Family Park Ahorn: Ideal for beginners and families, this area offers flat slopes and a child-friendly area for learning.

6. Freeride and off-piste opportunities

• Freeride options: Action Mountain Penken offers numerous freeride routes and deep snow runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
• Safety: There are avalanche warning systems and information on safety for freeriders throughout the area.

7. Snow parks and freestyle

• Vans Penken Park: One of the best snow parks in the Alps with various lines for beginners to professionals, including a halfpipe, kickers, rails and boxes. The park attracts international freestylers and is a highlight for snowboarders and freeskiers.

8. Infrastructure and gastronomy

• Huts and mountain restaurants: Numerous huts and mountain restaurants offer regional specialities and international cuisine. The “Panorama Restaurant Ahorn” and the “Pilzbar” on Penken are particularly popular.
• Parking: There are plenty of parking spaces in the valley and shuttle buses that make the valley stations easily accessible.
• Equipment rental: In Mayrhofen there are numerous rental stations for ski equipment, snowboards and protective equipment.

9. Family-friendliness

• Ski schools: Several ski schools offer courses for children and adults, from beginner lessons to advanced training.
• Children’s area and practice areas: Special practice areas and the “Ahorn Children’s Area” are ideal for families and beginners.

10. Après-ski and leisure activities

• Après-ski: Mayrhofen is known for its lively après-ski offer with numerous bars, such as the Ice Bar and the Bruck’n Stadl.
• Other leisure activities: Mayrhofen also offers winter hiking trails, a natural toboggan run and ice skating opportunities.

11. Special tips for skiers

• Tip for advanced skiers: The “Harakiri” slope is a challenge suitable only for experienced skiers, but the descent is a must for those looking for thrills.
• Families and beginners: Ahorn Mountain is ideal for beginners and families as it offers gentler and wider slopes.
• Panoramic view: The Ahornbahn offers an impressive panorama of the Alps and is a great experience for everyone.

12. Accommodation

• Hotels and guesthouses: Mayrhofen has a variety of accommodations, from simple guesthouses to luxurious hotels.
• Ski-in/ski-out: Some accommodations offer direct access to the slopes or are close to the valley stations.

13. Weather conditions

• Sunny days and guaranteed snow: Due to the altitude and good snow-making facilities, the conditions in Mayrhofen are very snow-sure throughout the season. Sunny days also offer spectacular views of the Zillertal Alps.

Skiing, snowboarding or even sledding – the winter time not only brings cozy TV evenings and icy cold, but also many opportunities to do sports. Snow and ice suddenly give rise to a variety of sports. Austria in particular is the pioneer par excellence when it comes to winter sports. Countless ski resorts and tourist attractions ensure that millions of people drive to the country every year and plunge down the slopes. It is not always easy to decide on the right region. Six of the most popular winter sports resorts are described in more detail below. So: book a winter holiday in Austria , hit the slopes, get set, go!

Ischgl

When you think of Ischgl, images of countless après-ski parties probably come to mind. The Silvretta Arena is Tyrol’s third largest ski area and offers slopes for professionals, beginners and families. Almost 45 lifts ensure that everyone gets on the slopes as quickly as possible. The ski area is internationally known and many celebrities cavort here. It can happen that suddenly a well-known star stands in front of you. It is also home to the largest snow and fun park in Austria’s ski resorts. Here, professionals and amateurs can show what they can do. Ischgl offers the perfect mix of winter sports and event location and is therefore rightly one of the most popular winter sports resorts in Austria

Sölden

Sölden is a popular winter sports resort. This is mainly due to the fact that there are two glaciers here, the Rettenbachferner and Tiefenbachferner. This ensures that Sölden is a very snow-sure region. The slope length in the ski area is almost 144 kilometres and extends to an altitude of over 3,000 metres. Of course, this provides the extra portion of snow and an incredible feeling. Winter sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth here. By the way, parts of the James Bond flick “Spectre” were also filmed here in the region. That’s why there is a unique 007 adventure world here! But après-ski is also very important in Sölden. Many parties take place here every year in season and easily attract the crowds to the wonderful ski area.

Obertauern

Not only the province of Tyrol offers spectacular opportunities to really work out in winter, but also the Salzburger Land. This region is mainly designed for families with children and beginners. Countless easy and easy slopes ensure that even the little ones can ski here carefree. Don’t feel like skiing or snowboarding? Don’t worry! There is even a 6.5-kilometre-long toboggan run, which provides an extra portion of fun. Obertauern also offers many opportunities for snowshoeing. If you prefer a little more action, you can let loose at the fun parks on the slopes!

Flachau

Flachau offers snow fun on a completely different level. Not only is the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup held here, but everyone can feel like a professional here. Countless different slopes, such as the panorama route or the timed run provide variety and ensure that there is something for everyone. But the region is not only a true paradise for skiing and snowboarding, but also for hiking. There are over 40 cleared hiking trails around Flachau and can be used in winter.

Stubai Glacier/ Staubai Valley

The ski area around the Stubai Glacier offers plenty of variety. This is also one of the most snow-sure regions in Austria and thus ensures slopes until June. The area offers a lot of other attractions, besides beautiful slopes. A little next to the post is an ice grotto. It is a 200-meter-long ice cave that amazes everyone. At the Gamsgarten there is an area that is primarily designed for families. In addition to a family course and a wave run, there is also a children’s playground and a snow carousel.

Brixental Valley

Brixental is a village in Tyrol that lies near the Wilder Kaiser. The Wilder Kaiser is heavily visited at any time of the year. But especially in winter, many winter sports fans cavort here. This is where Austria’s second largest ski area is located, with a slope length of almost 300 kilometres. The huge area connects nine villages, all of which form their own ski areas. Skiing down the slope in one day is therefore almost impossible. However, it is even possible to drive here at night, or until 9.30 p.m. Countless hiking trails and cross-country skiing trails provide the necessary variety and let the beautiful nature shine in a different light.

The most popular winter sports resorts in Austria – Conclusion

Austria is a true paradise for winter sports fans and nature lovers. Countless ski areas provide plenty of fun on the slopes. But there is also a lot to experience and discover away from the slopes. Winter hikes, tobogganing or snowshoeing are only a fraction of the activities. The mountainous regions offer plenty of variety and opportunities for families and professional athletes. There are over 400 ski resorts in Austria and accordingly countless winter sports resorts. Finding the right holiday destination is not always easy. With this list of the six most popular winter sports resorts in Austria, there is a small insight into what to expect

The Hohe Tauern National Park is an interesting destination in all seasons to experience a relaxing holiday in an extremely charming landscape. Where mountaineers, cyclists and mountain bikers gather in summer and where people look for gold in the streams, winter holds the whole kaleidoscope of sporting activity. Rauris is one of the top addresses not only for sympathizers of the alpine variants of winter sports. This is a white gem in winter. Snowboarders are at home in the extensive Hochalmbahnen ski area. On the shallow slopes of this Austrian region, families with their children can also look forward to unlimited fun on the slopes.

The largest protected area in the Eastern Alps

It is said that the cold days of the year feel particularly pleasant in the Rauris Valley and that winter there almost always comes along with a cheerful charm. In the guesthouses and hotels of the village, hospitality is anything but a foreign word. Here the holidaymaker is “king” and is pampered in all respects in his accommodations. In the thirty-kilometre-long valley in the Salzburger Land between Taxenbach and Kolm Saigurn, dealing with the values of nature has always been a matter of course. This is the largest protected area in the Eastern Alps, and the people of this region see this as an obligation. The ski area is still clear and the construction of lifts was kept within rather modest limits. All investments were made with the environment in mind.

The Rauris ski region: tested and approved

After all, there are ten modern lifts available to winter sports enthusiasts in Rauris. They transport skiers to altitudes of up to 2,175 metres and to the starting points of the approximately 32 kilometres of slopes. The comfortable summit lift opens up a magnificent panoramic view of the mighty peaks in one of the most beautiful alpine areas in Austria. And since the safety of the guests is close to the hearts of those responsible, it plays a paramount role in Rauris. This is reflected in the verdict of skiresort.de. The world’s largest Internet portal, which has set itself the task of critically examining international ski resorts, came to an astonishing test result. According to this, the ski area of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen received no less than twelve awards in 2017 and was decorated with 3.7 out of five possible stars. The region was highly rated as a winter sports area for beginners and families.

Manageable and family-friendly slopes

Tree-free are those slopes in the Rauris ski area where beginners feel particularly comfortable. At the ridge lift and at the summit lift, the slopes are not steep and are suitable for the first attempts on the narrow boards. The waiting times at the lifts are short here, because Rauris has always given mass tourism the cold shoulder. They want to be family-friendly here, and this is also reflected in the design of the slopes. If you dare to switch to a slightly more challenging terrain after the first ski course, you are sure to find the right slope for you. It doesn’t have to be the ten-kilometre route from the mountain station over the Kreuzboden into the high valley to Rauris. Fun for all levels is guaranteed by the seven-hundred-metre-long descent of the so-called “Familyslope” with its steep curves and waves.


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Fun with mascot “Tilly” on the baby meadow

If you feel fit enough to try your hand at a race track, you will appreciate the exhilaration of speed at the Hochalmbahn. There is also an automatic timekeeping. The northeastern slopes of the Rauris ski area are the Eldorado of deep snow freaks. Actually, in this wonderful winter sports landscape, it doesn’t matter what level of quality you have achieved as an alpine skier. The boundless freedom in this environment is certain for everyone. Of course, also the youngest ski bunnies, who are expertly supervised in the children’s ski schools on the baby meadow. Among other things, the mascot “Tilly” is on the road there and invites the youngest to the traditional “Ziach sleigh ride”. And if the day in Rauris can’t be long enough for you, you can go to an illuminated toboggan run and the Kreuzboden chairlift twice a week. After all, this toboggan run is two kilometres long.

Pure romance on a horse-drawn sleigh ride

Pure romance is conveyed in the Rauris Valley by a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. Passengers sit under a warm and cuddly blanket and enjoy the magnificent winter panorama. Tours from Rauris to Wörth and excursions in the Hüttwinkl Valley are offered. Friends of après-ski meet at the “Heimalm” with its twenty-metre-long bar. The unusual thing is that the counter is heated… But there is also an exuberant atmosphere at the valley station of the Hochalmbahn. The “Maislaualm” is something of an institution in the small ski arena. In addition, there are cosy restaurants and alpine inns on the slopes. The small village of Taxenbach organises torchlight hikes for young and old on winter evenings. Some people only really feel comfortable after the nightly snowfall when they trudge through the untouched nature with snowshoes.

Unlimited fun in the snow is affordable

Fun on the slopes in the Hohe Tauern National Park is affordable. If you are travelling with your family, you can take advantage of the special conditions in Rauris. However, a photo ID is required for all ages. Reduced prices are also offered for groups and for pupils and young people as part of a ski school course. And if you want to save yourself waiting times when purchasing the ski pass, you can also purchase these tickets conveniently on the Internet.