Wonderful mountains in Mayrhofen

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.