Mayrhofen

Austria · Zillertal, Tirol · 630m - 3,250m · 142-206 km of pistes · 65 lifts · Hintertux Glacier

Summary

Mayrhofen is the gateway to Zillertal 3000: a network of 206 km of pistes and 65 lifts connecting the Penken, Ahorn, Rastkogel, Eggalm zones and Hintertux Glacier (3,250 m). With a total vertical of 2,620 m — from the village at 630 m to the glacier summit — it is one of the most impressive verticals in the Alps.

The village of Mayrhofen, at the head of Zillertal, is lively and well connected by train (Zillertalbahn). From the village, the Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn cable cars lead directly to the pistes. The Harakiri piste (78% gradient) is one of the steepest in Austria.

Technical details

Why ski here

1. 2,620 m of vertical: from the village to the glacier From Mayrhofen (630 m) to the summit of Hintertux (3,250 m): one of the largest verticals in the Alps on a single lift pass.

2. Harakiri: 78% gradient Austria’s steepest black piste. 78% sustained gradient. Not for everyone — but descending it is a milestone for any advanced skier.

3. PenkenPark: freestyle reference One of Austria’s most renowned snowparks. Kickers, rails, halfpipe. Host to international freestyle events.

4. Hintertux Glacier: year-round skiing Hintertux Glacier allows skiing 365 days a year. Included in the Zillertal 3000 lift pass from Mayrhofen.

5. Direct train from Jenbach The Zillertalbahn connects Jenbach (main Innsbruck-Salzburg line) with Mayrhofen. From the station, the cable cars are a 5-minute walk away.

Pistes and highlights

Harakiri (Penken)

Austria’s steepest: 78% gradient. Extreme black. Short descent but brutally intense.

Penken (2,095m)

The heart of the ski area. Varied red pistes, PenkenPark for freestyle. The liveliest zone.

Ahorn (2,000m)

The family-friendly face. Wide blue pistes, learning area, panoramic Ahornhütte restaurant. Separate from Penken — cable car from the village.

Hintertux Glacier (3,250m)

20 minutes by bus from Mayrhofen. Glacier skiing with guaranteed snow. 60 km glacier circuit.

Rastkogel – Eggalm

Connection between Penken and Hintertux. Intermediate pistes, less crowded.

Accommodation

Mayrhofen has abundant accommodation. Lively village with shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Après-ski

Mayrhofen has an active, young après-ski scene:

• Brück’n Stadl — The epicentre: terrace, beer, music from 3pm
• Scotland Yard — Pub atmosphere
• Ice Bar — Themed ice bar
• Tyrolean restaurants throughout the village

How to get there

Giora’s note

I haven’t skied here personally. This sheet is based on verified sources.

Mayrhofen is for versatile skiers who want it all: glacier, freestyle, extreme pistes (Harakiri), family zones (Ahorn), and a lively village. Combined with the Zillertaler Superskipass, it gives access to ~540 km across the entire valley.

Must-do:

• Descend Harakiri (if your level allows)
• A day on Hintertux Glacier
• A session at PenkenPark if you do freestyle

Can be combined with: [[zillertal-arena]] and [[hintertux]] with the Superskipass.

Related sheets

• [[hintertux]] — Glacier included in Zillertal 3000
• [[zillertal-arena]] — Larger Zillertal ski area (150 km)
• [[soelden]] — Neighbouring glacier in Ötztal
• [[ischgl]] — Another big Tyrolean resort