Mayrhofen — Austria's Zillertal Powerhouse With the Steepest Piste in the Country

Mayrhofen sits at the bottom of the Zillertal valley in the Austrian Tyrol, and it punches ridiculously hard for a town its size. The Penken and Ahorn mountains deliver 142km of local piste, but slap on the Zillertal Superskipass and you unlock 542km across the entire valley. Add in the Harakiri — Austria's steepest groomed run at 78% gradient — legendary après-ski, and the annual Snowbombing festival, and you've got a resort that does everything without the French-resort price tag.

Getting There

Innsbruck airport (INN) is just 75 minutes by road or train. Munich (MUC) is about 2 hours by car or shuttle, with far more flight options from the UK and across Europe. The Zillertal railway runs directly into Mayrhofen station from Jenbach (on the main Innsbruck–Munich line) — it's scenic, cheap, and drops you in the centre of town.

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Where to Stay

The town centre around Hauptstraße has the best mix of restaurants, bars, and lift access. For the Penken gondola, stay near the Penkenbahn base station on the east side. Budget travellers should look at guesthouses (Pensionen) in the quieter streets — a double room with breakfast can be under €80/night even in high season. For groups, self-catering apartments in the valley are excellent value.

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On the Mountain

The Penken (2,095m) is where the action is: a wide network of reds and blues that suit intermediates perfectly, plus the infamous Harakiri — a 78% gradient wall that earns every bit of its name. The terrain park on Penken is one of Austria's best, drawing freestyle riders from across the Alps.

The Ahorn (2,000m) is the mellow side — wide cruising blues, a panoramic restaurant, and Austria's largest natural ice palace inside the mountain. Beginners and families love it here.

With the Zillertal Superskipass (covers all four valleys), you can ski Hintertux Glacier (3,250m, open year-round), Hochfügen, Kaltenbach, and Gerlos — 542km of connected terrain that rivals the biggest French mega-areas.

Where to Eat

• Wirtshaus zum Griena — Traditional Tyrolean inn with excellent Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) and local beers. The kind of place where farmers and tourists share tables.
• Mamma Mia — Surprisingly good Italian right on Hauptstraße. Huge pizzas, cold Moretti, and a terrace that catches the afternoon sun.
• Brücke Stüberl — Cosy pub-restaurant with Austrian comfort food. Their Wiener Schnitzel is the size of a dinner plate and costs under €15.

Local Insider Tips

• The Harakiri looks terrifying from the top. It is. But it's groomed daily and only 400m long — commit to the first turn and gravity does the rest. Watch the webcam first if you need convincing.
• Buy the Zillertal Superskipass instead of the local Mayrhofen pass. The price difference is small and it unlocks 542km plus the Hintertux Glacier — essential for late season.
• Take the Zillertalbahn heritage steam train at least once. It runs on weekends and is the most scenic way to travel the valley.
• Après-ski kicks off at the Ice Bar and Brück'n Stadl at the base of the Penken gondola. It's rowdy, it's fun, and it's one of the best après scenes in Austria outside St Anton.
• Snowbombing (usually early April) transforms the town into a music festival on snow. Book months in advance if you want to combine skiing and live acts — it sells out fast.

Budget Breakdown (7 days, per person)