Mayrhofen, Austria

Resort Overview for Mayrhofen:

Mayrhofen has a long standing place in the upper ranks of the world's winter sports resorts, blessed as it is with extensive ski areas. The town's location in the wide and flat bottomed Ziller Valley adds to its appeal, as the Valley is famous for the classical beauty of the surrounding mountains. The buildings in the town are almost all of traditional Tyrolean chalet design (albeit on a giant scale in some cases) giving the resort itself a natural ambience and a picturesque image in common with its surroundings. The water flowing in to the water fountain and through the hotel taps comes direct from the mountain springs above.

One of the best equipped mountain resorts in Austria and one of the few towns in the province (although with a population of less than 4000), Mayrhofen covers 178 square kilometres and is the third largest community in the world famous Tyrol.

Popular as a climbing and walking area for over 100 years, the town began as 'Meierhof' an estate belonging to the Archbishops of Salzburg and first mentioned in 1200 AD. It was not granted market town status until 1969, but three years later was granted the Flag of the European Council because of its partnership with towns and villages in neighbouring countries. Today this flag waving is proven correct by the fact that only 7% of Mayrhofen's clientele arrives from other parts of Austria, with nearly 50% making the short drive over the border from Germany, nearly 20% arriving from the UK and 9% from the Netherlands.

The Skiing in Mayrhofen:

Mayrhofen's main local skiing area is the Penken, linked to the edge of the resort by a new gondola (opened in 1995). A ski bus runs every 15 minutes linking this and the second gondola access to the Penken, the Horbergbahn down the valley and the cable car up to the resort's second ski area at Ahorn, with key points in the town. Both are largely covered by snow-making technology.

The Ahorn area is popular with beginners as it has almost exclusively easy slopes around the top. However the famous 5km (3 miles) long Ebenwald slalom trail does run down this mountain. Beginners will also find key areas at the summit of the Penken to be the domain of learner skiers.

Mayrhofen's skiing is classic country for intermediate standard skiers who will enjoy endless opportunities on the Penken, including long trails down to neighbouring Finkenberg. Better skiers will spend most of their time on the Penken, with the popular Devil's Run on the linked Horberg mountain. Head for the Knorren side first thing in the morning as thats the first spot to get the sunshine. For off-piste there are some amazing routes through the trees of the Ahorn.

The new Zillertal 3000 partnership with neighbouring Finkenberg, Eggalm and Rastkogel open up still more extensive possibilities and there are popular itineraries around the area.

Another option is to take the bus to other resorts on the Zillertaler Super Skipass which opens up over 500km (312 miles) of trails and more than 150 lifts, including the guaranteed snow trails of the Hintertux glacier. The bus is free to Pass holders. The resort has four ski schools employing around 150 instructors, many English speaking.

Après Ski in Mayrhofen:

Mayrhofen has one of the liveliest après ski scenes in the Alps with a wide range of bars and discothèques in action through in to the small hours. Names that crop up in numerous reviews include the Sport Arena Disco, Ice-bar, Rundum, Niki's Schirmbar, Scotland Yard and the Movie Bar.

At Europahaus music concerts of all types from pop, through jazz to classical are staged. Bowling rinks are open at the Hotel Neuhaus and La Fontana restaurant.

Accommodation in Mayrhofen:

Search through our database to rent private ski chalets direct from the owners in Mayrhofen. Contact owners directly to make a booking. Rent ski chalet Mayrhofen, Austria

Haus Luxus, Sleeps 10 Haus Luxus is a small guest house situated in Mayrhofen, Austria. Mayrhofen is well known for it's g...... View details