Skiing
has grown up with Mayrhofen and Mayrhofen has reached maturity because of
skiing. The popular village however is maturing gracefully, and has not taken on
a "strictly for tourists" air. It is still very much a Tyrolean village.
The skiing takes places on two separate mountains, the larger of
which is reached by the impressive new Penken gondola. This is the area right in
the village and viewers
should read the main story for details. A half an hour or so drive
from the village is the year round skiing on the Hintertux glacier. This
area is also covered in out main detailed story. Make no mistake though
these are two different areas with totally different personalities. The
fact that they are linked on one ski pass is a bonus for the visitor to
either area.
The resort
Although the village has retained its Tyrolean personna, it has given nothing
away when it comes to tourism comforts. The village boasts chalet-style buildings, classy hotels,
small pensions and diversified bars and restaurants. Being the third largest village in the Tyrol, it also has a very lively
feel to it. You can stay in accommodation of varying grades close to the amenities
of the village or in the
quieter surrounds and suburbs. Local ski buses run regularly during the day, and
frequent bus service also operates to the Tuxer valley. Excursions further afield, to Innsbruck or Italy for
sightseeing and shopping, are easy to organise. A trip on the picturesque Ziller valley narrow
gauge railway also guarantees great fun.
Mayrhofen (630 m)
Mayrhofen is justly famous for its nightlife - it has a decent discos with dance
music ranging from polkas to rave. And there are some great bars and "bier
kellers", as well as restaurants catering to all tastes.
If a sporting evening" is to your tastes, there are three bowling alleys, four squash and three indoor
tennis courts and an indoor riding center. Outdoors there is an ice rink for curling and skating. The
biggest attraction is the Mayrhofen fun pool, which houses an aquaslide,
"crazy river", whirlpool, special
children's area, sauna, solarium and a restaurant. The guest card, free to anyone staying in the resort, gives
reductions on many of these activities.
The skiing
Mayrhofen's skiing is on two sides of the village with a total of 102 km of
piste and 29 lifts. The Ahom is primarily a beginners' mountain. Indeed
Mayrhofen is a great place to learn to ski. Not only are there novice slopes
high on the mountain that provide good snow conditions and a chance to enjoy the
real atmosphere, but the resort also has four English-speaking ski schools. Snow
canons ensure that most of the runs - for instance the great Ebenwald run that
goes down from the Ahom to the valley - have a virtual snow guarantee.
On the other side you find the connected Penken and Horberg-Gerent, which host
the main ski area, shared by Mayrhofen and Finkenberg.