From family-friendly snow parks to après that turns into a week-long festival come April, Mayrhofen is a standout skiing spot. Plus, it goes easier on the wallet compared to others, without sacrificing on piste quality. The direct Jet2.com flights to nearby Innsbruck, the option to add 22kg baggage* and up to 22kg ski carriage* sure don’t hurt either... Here are more things to know about this Tyrolean beauty before you pack your salopettes. 

The resort 

Although tucked away in the heart of the Zillertal Valley, Mayrhofen is well-connected to Innsbruck Airport. You can reach this Austrian fave in under an hour by car or hop onboard a train or bus too. After a scenic ride through the valley, you’ll arrive at this alpine town, packed with cute-as-button chalets, cosy cafés and bars. The compact layout of the resort makes it easy to get around, with the main Penkenbahn gondola whisking you straight up to the slopes from the town centre. There are a few car parks around too, making it easy to reach by car too. Staying close by? While it’s not ski-in, ski-out, everything is well organised – buses and lifts run like clockwork and you’ll rarely be waiting long. You’ll find everything you need right on your doorstep, from family-owned holiday homes to modern spas and shops lining the main street. And then we get to the views… Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Mayrhofen is a gorgeous spot even for non-skiers.  

The slopes  

With around 142km of pistes and links to the wider Zillertal 3000 ski area, Mayrhofen is ideal for confident intermediates, but beginners and pros will find their runs here too. The resort’s got two main mountains – Penken and Ahorn, with the latter being more suitable for first-timers and those taking it at a slower pace. Meanwhile Penken brings the action – it’s home to a maze of red and black runs and the Penken Park, one of Europe’s best freestyle arenas. Advanced riders can also push their limits on the hair-rising Harakiri, AKA the steepest slope in Europe, boasting a whopping 78% gradient. Snow reliability is solid thanks to the region’s altitude and modern snowmaking, while the well-connected lift system means you’ll spend more time carving and less time queueing. When you fancy something different, Zell am Ziller and Kaltenbach are easily reachable by a ski bus or dinky train that meanders through the valley. Going early or more towards the end of the season? Hintertux Glacier is ski-ready all year round – expect high altitudes and panoramic views.  

The après 

Mayrhofen’s famous across Austria for its après-ski – and for good reason. As soon as the lifts close, bars start filling up with skiers ready to debrief and celebrate another epic day on the slopes. Pilzbar keeps the party going up top, while down in town, spots like Bruck’n Stadl, Ice Bar and Scotland Yard Pub are the go-tos for live music and dancing well into the night. The best part? They are right on the gondola doorstep, so you don't have to wander far in your ski boots. If you prefer things a little more chilled, there are plenty of cosy lounges and wine bars where you can unwind with a local schnapps or mulled wine. The food scene is inviting too – think hearty Tyrolean classics like goulash, dumplings and schnitzel, served in rustic, wood-panelled restaurants. Fancy something on the go? Butcher’s, just outside the gondola, serves delicious sandwiches and speckknödelsuppe (meatball soup). Pair it with a post-piste pint to fuel up before some more après action! And if you time your trip right, don’t miss Snowbombing Festival in April. Mayrhofen’s week-long celebration of music and mountains turns the whole resort into one big, alpine party. 

Austria’s calling your name? Read more about ski resorts near Innsbruck here. 

*Charges apply.