Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is located in the Tyrolean region of Schwaz, in the Zillertal valley, which extends for approximately forty kilometers (25 miles). As of January 1, 2022, the town, which is part of the judicial district of Zell am Ziller, had almost 3,930 inhabitants. Initially, a 12th-century document identified the town as “Mairhofen”. Common in the region, the surname Mair is reflected in the phrase “Mair’s Farm”.

Rich in cultural heritage, the city has many museums, monuments and classical buildings. Built in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 18th, the Gothic church known as Pfarrkirche zum Heiligen Veit (St. Vitus Parish Church) is among the most famous sites. Built in 1858, the church has a baroque altar, a rococo pulpit and the famous organ designed by Franz Reinisch. The church also organizes events and concerts throughout the year.

A modern indoor and outdoor swimming complex with a range of swimming pools, slides, saunas and wellness facilities, the Erlebnisbad Mayrhofen (Adventure Pool Mayrhofen) also appeals. After a day on the slopes, the swimming pool is open all year round and is a wonderful place to relax and have fun.

With more than 130 kilometers (80 miles) of groomed slopes, 53 lifts and two major cable cars connecting the town to the Penken and Ahorn mountains, Mayrhofen is renowned for its superb ski conditions. Together with the neighboring resorts of Finkenberg, Rastkogel and Eggalm, the ski area is part of the Zillertal 3000 ski area. A super ski pass provides access to all gondolas and ski lifts in the Zillertal as well as the Hintertux glacier, which allows year-round skiing at 3,250 meters (10,656 feet).

From novice to expert, the ski resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are gentle slopes and ski schools on the Ahorn Plateau, where beginners can learn the basics while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Penken Mountain offers a range of blue and red trails for intermediates where you can hone your abilities while navigating the terrain. Experts believe that the Penken and Hintertux glaciers offer challenging black slopes and off-piste areas where one can test one’s limits and savor the thrill of skiing on steep, deep snow.

At 38 degrees and 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), Harakiri, Austria’s steepest groomed run among ski resorts, is among their highlights. Not for the faint-hearted, the race is named after the Japanese word for ceremonial suicide. Only experienced skiers and riders should attempt this race with appropriate equipment and conditions.

One of the best snowboard parks in Europe, Vans Penken Park has six distinct areas for all abilities, including jumps, rails, boxes and halfpipes. Throughout the year, the park hosts competitions and events, including the Zillertal Välley Rälley, which showcases the best local and global talent.

You could have a lot of fun skiing and partying in Mayrhofen. With numerous bars, bars and clubs offering music, drinks and entertainment until late at night, the town is renowned for its lively après-ski scene. Mayrhofen has something for every taste and mood, whether your ideal is a trendy lounge, a small cabin or a rock disco.

Attracting thousands of musicians and participants, the Snowbombing festival in early April is one of the most popular events of the season. Across multiple stages and venues in town and in the mountains, the festival features some of the world’s best DJs and bands. Besides entertainment and activities, the festival offers elegant dress parties, igloo raves, snow yoga and comedy events.

Mayrhofen is both a summer paradise and a winter paradise. For people of all ages and interests, the city and surrounding areas offer a diverse range of outdoor activities and attractions. Whether one wants to hike, relax or experience culture, Mayrhofen has something to offer everyone.

Because the city is surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails leading to scenic viewpoints, alpine meadows and mountain huts, hiking is a popular summer sport. Your tastes and fitness level will determine whether you want to tackle tough climbs, moderate hikes, or simple strolls. The Zillertal Höhenstraße (Great Zillertal Road), a panoramic route offering breathtaking views of the valley and glaciers; the Stillupgrund, a valley leading to the Stillup reservoir and the Kasseler hut; and the Berliner Höhenweg (Berlin High Trail), a long-distance trail circumnavigating the Zillertal Alps and passing numerous peaks and huts.

Another popular pastime is mountain biking; The city’s network of trails and cycle paths is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. You can take a gondola to reach the mountains and enjoy the descents or rent a bike in town and cross the valley. Guided tours and cycling camps are also available, which provide advice on how to develop your abilities while having fun.

Try paragliding, a sport that allows you to fly over mountains and valleys and enjoy the freedom and beauty of flight if you are looking for more adrenaline. You can plan a tandem flight with a qualified instructor, who will take care of everything and guarantee your enjoyment and safety. You can learn to fly alone to embark on a more daring route. The weather and your preferences will guide your choice of launch sites and flight times.

Additional summer activities include swimming, golf, horseback riding, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing. A protected area spanning 379 square kilometers (146 square miles), the Zillertal Nature Park offers guided tours, exhibitions and educational initiatives in addition to protecting the Zillertal. Alps. About an hour by train from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, you can also discover its historical and cultural monuments, including the Little Golden Roof, the Hofburg Palace and the Nordkette mountain range.

Whether it’s a favorite family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a relaxed trip with friends, Mayrhofen is a resort for everyone. From luxury hotels and spas to small chalets and apartments, the city offers a wide range of accommodation. Local cuisine and specialties such as schnitzel, strudel and käsespätzle (cheese noodles) are available in several restaurants and cafes.

Mayrhofen combines the modernism of a world-class ski resort with the appeal and history of a Tyrolean town. There will be plenty of events and attractions to keep you busy and happy, whether your visit falls in winter or summer.