Mayerhofen is the biggest settlement of the world’s largest skiing valley Zillertal. Located in the heart of the valley, just 40 min from the Airport in Innsbruck it can easily be reached both by the car and public transportation. Town is surrounded by the several mountain peaks higher than 3000 meters.
Mayerhofen is skiers’ paradise with more than 150km of the perfectly groomed slopes and 57 modern lifts. Directly from the town center you can enter cable car leading you to 2 different surrounding mountains Penken and Ahorn. At this ski area it is all about the size, so it is almost natural that the biggest two cable cars in Austria are located here.
Penken is for sportier skiers among you, and how good your skiing skills are, you can test at the steepest run in whole Austria, famous or should we say notorious Harakiri
If you are up for challenge Harikiri with up to 78 percent gradient shouldn’t disappoint you. Because of its steepness, grooming the slope is not an easy task as the snow often slides down the run. Therefore, preparing it for skiing is only possible with the specially developed 430 horsepower snow groomers using a winch. They alone weight nine tons and possess pulling force of 4 tones. If you are not sure that you are ready for Harakiri the “Devil’s Run”, which is also known as the “Harakiri Test”, could be your testing ground
Penken Park with its 8 Areas, perfectly prepared jumps and obstacles is a paradise for free skiers and snowboarders. This 20 years old highlight is regarded as one of the best snowparks in Europe. For speed junkies Racing Paradise Unterberg is a “slope to be”. Even professional skiers train on one of the three permanent timed giant slalom courses.
However don’t be fooled, Penken is not only about testing your limits; there are also numerous leisurely runs, but a leisure mountain is definitely Ahorn.
Ahorn with is wide runs is perfect for families and beginners. Here you can find Fun Ride with the moderate gradient adjusted for the skiers of all skill levels, which you can use as a warm-up for the more demanding Fun Ride Penken. Ahorn is also interesting for non-skiers, because it offers a winter hike on the Panorama Trail with the perfect views over the Alps. Pistenbock tobogganing on the specially designed and separated run is one more feature for non-skiers or for those who want to try something else than skiing.
Highlight of Ahron is absolutely the White Lounge Igloo Village located on the plateau near the top station of the gondola is must-see. This giant igloo made only of ice is ideal location for having a drink and relaxing after skiing. From Wednesday till Saturday, after sunset it turns into hotels, with the seven suits. If you are not afraid of the coldness why not try this?
If 2000m is too high for sleeping, Mayerhofer offers accommodation possibilities for everyone. Because it is regarded as the party town you will not be bored in the valley. In Mayerhofen you can find one of the best après ski bars and clubs in Europe.
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The author
Ogi Savic
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