Base: 630m | Summit: 2,500m (Penken) / 3,250m (Hintertux glacier) | Piste: 157km (Mayrhofen–Hippach) | Lifts: 57 | Season: Dec–Apr (Hintertux year-round) | Airport: Innsbruck (INN) — 1 hr; Munich (MUC) — 1.5 hrs
Mayrhofen is Austria’s most famous resort for challenging terrain and legendary après-ski — home of the Harakiri, Austria’s steepest groomed piste at 78% gradient, and the Wörschachklamm valley, one of the world’s most photographed ski mountain landscapes. It sits in the Zillertal valley with easy access to the year-round Hintertux glacier nearby.
Resort overview
Mayrhofen’s ski area divides into two main sectors — Penken (the main mountain, 2,500m) and Ahorn (a broader, gentler mountain ideal for beginners and families). The connection between them requires skiing to the valley and taking a gondola, which is a minor inconvenience. The Hintertux glacier (3,250m, accessible by free ski bus) offers year-round skiing and excellent powder in season.
The village itself is large, lively, and unpretentious — a proper Tyrolean valley town rather than a purpose-built resort, with a year-round population and authentic Austrian character. The après-ski is centred on the infamous Ice Bar and the Scotland Yard pub, both legendary in Austrian resort culture.
Getting there
Innsbruck (INN) is 1 hour — direct flights from UK and European cities. Munich (MUC) is 1.5 hours with wider international connections. Salzburg (SZG) is 2 hours. The Zillertal railway connects Jenbach (on the main Innsbruck–Salzburg line) to Mayrhofen — a charming, direct train journey through the valley.
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The skiing
Terrain and pistes
157km across the Mayrhofen–Hippach area, plus the Hintertux glacier on a combined pass. Penken dominates — a high plateau with varied terrain including the infamous Harakiri black (78% gradient, the steepest groomed piste in Austria). The Ahorn sector is gentler and specifically good for beginners. The Rastkogel and Eggalm sectors add variety for intermediates.
Off-piste and freeriding
The Penken back bowls and the terrain above the Horberg sector offer excellent off-piste. The Hintertux glacier (included on the Zillertaler Superskipass) has exceptional high-altitude powder in early season. Mayrhofen is popular with advanced skiers who want challenging piste skiing and accessible backcountry.
Ski schools and lessons
The Mayrhofen Ski School and Mayrhofen 3000 are the main options. Both operate strong English-speaking programmes. The resort has good children’s facilities on the Ahorn mountain.
Lift passes
The Mayrhofen–Hippach pass costs approximately €245–265 for six days. The Zillertaler Superskipass (covering the full Zillertal valley including Hintertux glacier, Zillertal Arena, Hochzillertal) is around €290–310 and excellent value for a week. Book online in advance.
Where to stay
The village has extensive accommodation — hotels, apartments, and pensions across all price points. Central Mayrhofen, close to the Penken gondola, is the most convenient base. Several UK chalet operators work in the resort. Prices are generally very reasonable by Austrian standards.
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Après-ski
One of Austria’s most energetic — the Ice Bar and Scotland Yard on the Penken mountain are legendary mountain parties. Back in the village, the Après-ski street along Hauptstrasse fills from late afternoon. Mayrhofen attracts a young, international crowd for its après-ski reputation.
Best time to visit
January and February for the best snow across the full mountain. March for spring conditions with the Hintertux glacier staying open late. The Snowbombing festival (usually April) transforms the resort into a music venue — extraordinary atmosphere.
Tips and insider advice
- Ski the Harakiri black at least once — it’s genuinely steep but doable for confident intermediates in good conditions. Attempt it in the morning when it’s groomed.
- The Hintertux glacier (free ski bus from Mayrhofen) is worth a full day — excellent high-altitude terrain and usually good snow even late in the season.
- Snowbombing festival (April) is one of the world’s most unusual experiences — world-class music acts performing in an alpine resort setting. Book accommodation a year in advance.
- The Zillertal railway is a charming way to travel the valley — included in some lift passes and connects all the valley resorts.
- Rent equipment in the valley town rather than at the resort base for significantly better prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Harakiri?
The Harakiri is Austria’s steepest groomed piste — 78% gradient, served by the Penken lifts. It’s a legitimate black run, well-maintained, and achievable for strong intermediates to advanced skiers in good conditions. It has become something of a rite of passage for visitors to Mayrhofen.
What is the Hintertux glacier?
The Hintertux glacier at 3,250m is one of only a handful of European glaciers with year-round skiing. It’s accessible by a free ski bus from Mayrhofen (about 20 minutes) and included on the Zillertaler Superskipass. The glacier provides excellent early-season and late-season conditions and is a significant bonus for Mayrhofen visitors.
What is Snowbombing?
Snowbombing is an annual music festival held in Mayrhofen in April — world-class DJ and live music acts perform in various mountain and village venues during a week of skiing. It’s one of the most unique festival experiences in the world. Book accommodation 6–12 months in advance if planning to attend.
Is Mayrhofen good for beginners?
Good — the Ahorn mountain has dedicated gentle terrain and ski school facilities specifically for beginners. It’s quiet and well-suited to learning. The main Penken mountain is better for intermediates and above.
How does Mayrhofen compare to Kitzbühel?
Mayrhofen has more challenging terrain and stronger après-ski energy; Kitzbühel has more prestige, a more beautiful village, and the famous Hahnenkamm race piste. Mayrhofen is better value and more popular with a younger crowd; Kitzbühel attracts a more upmarket clientele. Both are excellent Austrian resorts with different characters.
Is the Zillertaler Superskipass worth it?
Yes — if you plan to ski the full valley including Hintertux, Zillertal Arena, and Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, the Superskipass (approximately €290–310 for six days) provides outstanding variety and value. If you only plan to ski Mayrhofen’s main area, the resort-specific pass is sufficient and cheaper.
What is the best way to get to Mayrhofen?
Fly to Innsbruck (1 hour by road) or Munich (1.5 hours). The Zillertal railway from Jenbach makes the resort accessible by train — Jenbach is on the main Innsbruck–Salzburg line, with the narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn running down the valley to Mayrhofen. A charming and convenient option.
Is Mayrhofen suitable for families?
Yes — the Ahorn sector is specifically family-oriented with gentle terrain, good ski school, and the Filzalmsee mountain lake area for non-skiing activities. The village has good family facilities and the Austrian hospitality culture is welcoming to children. Prices are reasonable compared to the prestige Austrian resorts.