Mini-Guide to Mayrhofen

Guest Post by: Andrew Weller

Thinking of an adventurous ski holiday in the Alps, or maybe just some peace and quiet in the Tyrolean valley?  If you want to get off the beaten path, look no further than the quaint and charming village of Mayrhofen.

Flanked by the Penken and Ahorn Mountains, this little town in the heart of  Zillertal Valley and is a fantastic place to enjoy a variety of snow sports. Though both mountain ranges offer exhilarating runs for skiers of all levels, the steepest piste in all of Austria is found nestled in the Penken Mountains of Harakiri. No matter what time of year you visit, there are always plenty of ski deals to be had as the pistes can be enjoyed year-round.

Not one for the mountains or in the mood for après-ski? Mayrhofen offers plenty of other activities and myriad ways to relax.

• Take a stroll through the quiet streets and window shop.
• Take a hike in the hills.
• Or a whirl around the ice rink.
• If you prefer even less stress…relax in a sauna or take-in one of the events at Europhaus, which hosts hundreds of cultural events each year.

Whenever you waltz into town or Tyrol in general, you’ll be greeted with more delicious food than you can imagine. December sees the Christmas market in full swing, while lucky summer visitors can enjoy the Festival of Food in July or the slightly later Krapfen Festival in August. (Krapfen are sweet or savory filled crepes). No matter when you visit…be sure to treat yourself to some tasty Austrian specialties like schnapps, sausage, fresh cheese, honey and so much more.  Everything is available from local merchants and purveyors.

After a full day of skiing, exploring and other activities, you’ll certainly want to find a great place to rest your wearing soul. Mayrhofen offers a diverse array of accommodation to meet every need and budget, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, boutique inns, hotel garnis, apartment hotels, holiday apartments, chalets and Austrian alpine cottages.

Getting around Mayrhofen and the surrounding area is very easy and enjoyable. While walking is generally the best option in town, a network of ski buses serve the slopes around the Zillertal Valley.  And, gondolas run up to both the Penken and Ahorn Mountains straight from the center of town. Not only that, the new VVT Smartride App helps you figure out which of Verkekrsverbund Tirol (VVT) Transportation options in the region are the most suitable.

Give the Zillertal Valley a go and visit Mayrhofen for year-round skiing and a comfortable, enjoyable Alps holiday.