Here at Single Parents on Holiday, we have a soft spot for Mayrhofen. – and not just because of the skiing. Unlike many other ski resorts, this charming Tyrolean town in the heart of the Ziller Valley has kept much of its traditional character. Imagine listed buildings, traditional hotels, and charming homes with gabled roofs and wooden balconies with intricate carvings… All that against the backdrop of the majestic Ziller Valley mountains creates a stunning panorama.
Add to this a vast skiing terrain for all skill levels, an excellent lift system, and a vibrant nightlife, and you understand why this Alpine town draws crowds from all over the world! If you are thinking of booking one of our solo ski holidays for the over 50s or single parent ski holidays? To help you decide, here is everything you need to know about Mayrhofen.
How to Get to Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen lies approximately 70 km east of Innsbruck in Tyrol’s stunning Zillertal Valley, surrounded by the 3,000 m peaks of Mount Ahorn and Mount Penken. The town feels remote yet connected, with the valley floor dotted with chalets and evergreen forests.
Trains from Vienna or Munich drop you right in the valley in under four hours — you’re your ticket early if you are going during Europe’s school holidays. Innsbruck Airport is closest, and shuttles between Innsbruck and Mayrhofen run regularly. Alternatively, you could rent a car for the scenic one-hour drive via the A12 motorway. If you are arriving at Munich International Airport, hop on a shuttle or aim for the B169 to avoid traffic jams.
The ski resort Mayrhofen
Skiing in Mayrhofen means endless options across the Zillertal Arena’s 150 km of groomed pistes. Snow falls steady here, thanks to high elevation and north-facing slopes that hold powder well into spring.
The ski terrain
Beginners will enjoy the many gentle blues, with plenty on Penken and easy wide runs on Ahorn. Overall, around 30% of runs suit beginners, with wide, flat blues close to the valley. Intermediates get 50% of the terrain, including rolling reds winding through forests, with more challenging reds on Penken and Horberg. The most advanced skiers can tackle the 20% black slopes, such as Devil’s Run on Mount Penken or the famous Harakiri — Europe’s steepest run at a 78% pitch.
Signposting is clear and lifts are fast so you can cover a lot of ground in one day; you can, in fact, hit 535 km in total with the right lift pass.
Freeride zones on Penken and Ahorn let you duck ropes for fresh tracks. Always check avalanche apps like Lawinenwarndienst before heading out. Alternatively, hire a local guide — they know the hidden spots and escape routes. Wear avalanche gear if you venture far and stick to the rules for your own safety.
The lift system
The Penkenbahn gondola – heated and spacious enough to carry plenty of gear – whisks you up Mount Penken in just over 8 minutes. Eggalmbahn connects to more terrain with quick chairs that rarely have queues. Over 50 lifts serve the area, most high-speed to cut waits in the cold. On busy days, it’s best to start early to beat the queues.
If you grab the Zillertal Superskipass, you can access 535 km of runs, including buses and trains.
Where to Après-Ski in Mayrhofen
Local Cuisine
Dig into crispy Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad at Gasthof Neue Post, where our single parents and solo skiers are staying, or, if you need to warm up after a day of skiing in Mayrhofen, try some Käsespätzle (cheesy egg pasta) and Goulash soup. Make sure to try some light and fruity Zillertal wine.
During the day, make sure to stop for lunch on the mountain. Delicious mountain hut classics like strudel and Germknödel (dumplings filled with plum stew) are on every menu here. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, try a savoury dish, like dumpling soup or Tyroler G’röstl (fried potatoes and bacon bits topped with a fried onions and egg) accompanied by an Almdudler (herbal lemonade).
Nightlife and Entertainment
Mayhofen is one of the best après ski destinations in Austria. Whether you want to start your après ski on the mountain or in the town at the end of your ski day, there is plenty of choice here:
- The après ski bar Kasermandl by the mountain station of the Penken Kombibahn lift is a rustic, lovingly restored 16th century farmhouse, which offers authentic Tyrolean dishes, folk music memorabilia, and a DJ that really gets the party started every afternoon.
- Our solo skiers might prefer the White Lounge Snow Bar on the sunny plateau of Mount Ahorn, close to the top of the Ahorn cable car station. An experience not to miss on our single ski holidays if you prefer to relax in a sun lounger, drink in hand, enjoying the panoramic views whilst listening to chilled lounge music.
- The Ice Bar is directly opposite the base of the Penken cable car station in the heart of Mayrhofen. This is an après-ski hotspot in the Zillertal that plays loud sing along music for locals and tourists from the early afternoon to the evening.
- The Brück’n Stadl on Mayrhofen’s Ahornstrasse, roughly between the Penken and Ahornbahn lifts offers legendary après-ski until late evening for anyone who enjoys live music, dancing, and partying.
Needless to say, if drinking and partying isn’t your thing, or you are travelling with kids, there are plenty of cafés in town where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and a sweet treat. Austrian pastries and cakes are legendary and having a slice of strudel or cake in the afternoon is an equally wonderful way to end your day on planks.
Conclusion
Mayrhofen is the place to be if you are looking for a ski resort that offers a vast ski terrain for all abilities with fast lifts, a pretty town with a relaxed atmosphere, and a wide choice of après ski on and off the mountain. It’s a diverse ski resort equally perfect for single parent ski holidays as it is for single ski holidays. If you are not travelling with us, there are numerous places to stay in Mayrhofen, whether you are looking for a family-friendly ski hotel with its own spa and panorama pool or a lively hotel in the centre of town with its own club so you can dance the night away.
