Lift Systems and Infrastructure In Mayrhofen
Two main sections make up the Mayrhofen elevation system: the Penken and the Ahorn. With snow parks, half-pipes and freeride areas, as well as easy to experienced tracks, Penken is the largest and most varied space. With wide, gentle slopes, a fun track and a children’s area, the Ahorn is the smallest and most family-friendly section. A free ski bus service that runs every 15 minutes connects both regions.
The Mayrhofen elevator system consists of 58 elevators with an hourly capacity of 107,000 people in total. Among the lifts are fourteen cable cars, twenty-five cable cars and eighteen gondolas. While chairlifts and cable cars provide access to various areas of the terrain, gondolas are the main means of getting to and from the slopes. Exceptional exceptions based on season and weather circumstances allow cable cars to operate every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Constant improvement and maintenance of the Mayrhofen lifting system guarantees efficiency, comfort and safety. Every year, the resort spends millions of dollars to upgrade infrastructure, including replacing new elevators, expanding the network, installing snowmaking equipment and improving environmental sustainability. The resort also strictly follows safety rules and guidelines, including frequent inspections, staff training, emergency protocols and signage to help prevent accidents and injuries.
The Mayrhofen lift system alters the natural terrain, generates pollutants and uses energy, therefore having a major environmental effect. By using renewable energy sources such as solar and water power, adopting energy-saving measures such as LED lighting and automated shutdowns, and supporting conservation programs such as reforestation and animal preservation, the resort seeks reduce negative consequences. To reduce the carbon footprint, the resort also encourages visitors to use public transport – trains and buses instead of vehicles.
In addition to climate and market difficulties, the elevator system in Mayrhofen is always developing to meet the growing demands and expectations of visitors. The resort aims to improve visitor experience and satisfaction through new and creative ideas such as smart lift passes, digital information systems and interactive applications. To attract more guests and increase competitiveness, the resort also wants to grow and diversify the ski area, including additional slopes, lifts and attractions.
Gondolas In Mayrhofen
Gondola Routes and Stations
Mayrhofen has eighteen gondolas with a combined capacity of 46,800 people per hour and a total length of 36.5 kilometers. Together with several neighboring ski resorts, including Finkenberg and Rastkogel, the gondolas cover the districts of Penken and Ahorn. The destination and intermediate stops determine the different routes and stations that the gondolas follow. Among the most used gondolas in Mayrhofen are:
- Penkenbahn: The main gondola connecting the Penken region to Mayrhofen city center is the Penkenbahn. The trip takes 8.5 minutes and the capacity is 3,840 people every hour. Its two stations are the mountain station on the Penken plateau and the valley station in Mayrhofen. Built in 2015, the Penkenbahn replaced the historic cable car that had been in operation since 1954.
- Ahornbahn: With capacity for 160 people per cabin, Ahornbahn is the largest gondola in Austria. It connects the Ahorn region to the city center of Mayrhofen. The transit duration is 6.5 minutes and the capacity is 2,000 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station above the Ahorn plateau and the valley station at Mayrhofen. Built in 2006, the Ahornbahn replaced the old cable car that had been operating since 1976.
- Horbergbahn: The Horbergbahn is a gondola that connects the village of Schwendau with the Penken region. Its journey time is nine minutes and the capacity is 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station at Horbergjoch and the valley station at Schwendau. Built in 1996, the Horbergbahn replaced the old cable car that had been in operation since 1968.
- Finkenberger Almbahn: Connecting the Penken region to the town of Finkenberg is this gondola. It travels in seven minutes and has a capacity for 2,400 people per hour. It consists of two stations: a mountain station at Finkenberger Alm and a valley station near Finkenberg. Built in 2010, the Finkenberger Almbahn replaced the old cable car that had been in operation since 1986.
- Rastkogelbahn: Forming part of the Ski Zillertal 3000 network, the Rastkogelbahn gondola connects the village of Vorderlanersbach with the Rastkogel region. It lasts eight minutes and has a capacity for 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station at Rastkogel and the valley station at Vorderlanersbach. Built in 1995, the Rastkogelbahn replaced the old cable car that had been operating since 1972.
Scenic Views from Gondolas
The stunning views from the gondola cabins in Mayrhofen are one of its main attractions. Along with the ski slopes and snow parks, the gondolas offer panoramic views of the nearby mountains, valleys, cities and woods. Although the path, direction and season affect the views, they are always incredible and striking. Among the best perspectives from the Mayrhofen gondolas are:
- The view of the Zillertal Alps from the Penkenbahn: Penkenbahn presents a stunning panorama of the Zillertal Alps of the East-Central Alps. Including the highest peak in the range, the Hochfeiler, the Zillertal Alps have more than eighty peaks above 3,000 m. Covering an area of 25 km², the Zillertal Glacier is the largest glacier in the Zillertal Alps and can also be seen from Penkenbahn.
- The view of the Ahornspitze from the Ahornbahn:From the Ahornbahn, the Ahornspitze, the second highest mountain in the Zillertal and the highest point in the Tux Alps, presents a stunning perspective. At 2,973 m high, the Ahornspitze has a recognizable pyramid shape. The Ahornbahn also offers a perspective of the Ahorn Plateau, a broad, flat terrain with gentle slopes and interesting hills.
- The view of the Mayrhofen Valley from the Horbergbahn: Horbergbahn presents a beautiful perspective over the Mayrhofen Valley, the main valley of the Zillertal and the most inhabited valley in Tyrol. The Mayrhofen Valley is 4 km wide and 32 km long. Along the river Ziller, the Horbergbahn also offers a viewpoint over the communities of Schwendau, Hippach and Ramsau.
- The view of the Tux Valley from the Finkenberger Almbahn: From Finkenberger Almbahn, the Tux Valley – a side valley of the Zillertal – is incredibly visible. The Hintertux Glacier demands this view from here. The Tux Valley is two kilometers wide and thirteen kilometers long. Along the river Tuxerbach, the Finkenberger Almbahn also offers an insight into the three communities of Finkenberg, Tux and Hintertux.
- The view of the Rastkogel from the Rastkogelbahn: From the Rastkogelbahn, the peak of the Tux Alps and the highest point in the Ski Zillertal 3000 network presents a magnificent perspective of the Rastkogel. Rising 2,762 m, Rastkogel features a notable crest. The Rastkogelbahn also offers a view of the Eggalm ski region, which connects Rastkogel to Penken.
Chairlifts In Mayrhofen
Chairlift Routes and Stations
Mayrhofen has 25 cable cars with a total capacity of 40,200 people per hour and a length of 29.5 kilometers. Together with several neighboring ski resorts, including Finkenberg and Rastkogel, the ski lifts cover the districts of Penken and Ahorn. The destination and intermediate stops determine the chairlift routes and stations. Among the most used cable cars in Mayrhofen are:
- 6er Schneekar: Consisting of six seats, this cable car connects the Penken plateau to the Schneekar summit. Its transit time is six minutes and the capacity is 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station on the Schneekar summit and the valley station on the Penken plateau. Built in 2009, the 6er Schneekar replaced the old four-seater cable car that had been in operation since 1988.d the old four-seater chairlift that had been operating since 1988.
- 6er Knorren: Consisting of six places, this cable car connects the Penken plateau to the Knorren summit. It lasts five minutes and has a capacity for 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station on the summit of Knorren and the valley station on the plateau of Penken. Built in 2011, the 6er Knorren replaced the old two-seater cable car that had been operating since 1979.
- 6er Unterbergalm: Connecting the Horbergjoch to the Unterbergalm is a six-seater cable car called the 6er Unterbergalm. Its transit time is four minutes and the capacity is 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station at Unterbergalm and the valley station at Horbergjoch. Built in 2012, the 6er Unterbergalm replaced the old three-seater cable car that had been in operation since 1984.
- 6er Tappenalmbahn: Connecting the Finkenberger Alm to the Tappenalm is a six-seater cable car called the 6er Tappenalmbahn. Its travel time is five minutes and the capacity is 2,400 people per hour. Its two stations are the mountain station at Tappenalm and the valley station at Finkenberger Alm. Built in 2011, the six-seater Tappenalmbahn replaced the original four-seater cable car in operation since 1991.
- 8er Wanglspitz: Designed to connect Rastkogel to Wanglspitz, this eight-seater cable car travels in six minutes and has a capacity for 3,200 people every hour. Its two stations are the mountain station at Wanglspitz and the valley station at Rastkogel. Built in 2007, the 8er Wanglspitz replaced the old two-seater cable car that had been in operation since 1974.
Seating capacity and styles
Mayrahofen chairlifts
Seating Capacity and Types
Depending on the size, type and design of the seats, the Mayrhofen cable cars have different capacities and seat types. Seating varieties include fixed, detachable, and bubble grip; Capacity ranges from 2 to 8 people per place. Seat types and capacities influence passenger comfort levels, journey times and waiting periods. While smaller, simpler seats have longer wait times and travel times but higher comfort levels, generally larger, fancier seats have shorter wait times and travel times.
- Fixed-grip chairlifts: Fixed handle chairlifts are those in which the seats are permanently attached to the cable. Its rhythm is continuous; they do not stop or slow down in the seasons. Although they are the slowest and least comfortable among the older and simpler cable cars. Seats do not stop or change to match your speed, so passengers must board and exit quickly and deliberately. They are generally located in lower, less busy sections of the ski resort. Two fixed-handle lifts in Mayrhofen are the 2er Gerent and the 2er Katzenmoos.
- Detachable chairlifts: Detachable chairlifts are those in which the chairs can detach from the cable at the stations. Their pace varies and they may stop or slow down in seasons. Because they provide faster and smoother rides, as well as simpler and safer boarding and disembarking, they are the most used modern cable cars. Generally situated in the most popular and highest sections of the ski resort, two detachable lifts in Mayrhofen are the 6er Schneekar and the 6er Knorren.
- Bubble chairlifts: Bubble lifts are those in which the transparent dome or bubble covers the chairs. Although they have the same characteristics as removable cable cars, they also provide additional protection against the elements, including cold, wind and snow. Although they are the most unusual and expensive type of cable car, they are also the most welcoming and elegant. Generally located in the most picturesque and exposed parts of the ski resort. Two bubble lifts in Mayrhofen are the 4er Lärchwald and the 8er Wanglspitz.
Terrain Access from Chairlifts
Mayrhofen’s ski lifts provide access to groomed slopes, moguls, snow and off-piste terrain, among other varieties of terrain. The terrain changes with difficulty, steepness and slope exposure, as well as snow and weather conditions. Cable car stations near or linked to various terrain features, including Harakiri Slope, Penken Park, Vans Penken Park and Fun Slope Ahorn.
- The access to the Harakiri Slope from the 6er Schneekar: With a steepness of 78%, the Harakiri slope of the 6er Schneekar is the steepest slope available in Austria. This black slope excites even the most experienced snowboarders and skiers. It can be reached from the mountain station of the 6er Schneekar and the Schneekar summit. A skull and crossbones sign and a warning message define the access to the Harakiri slope.
- The access to the Penken Park from the 6er Knorren: Six separate zones of varying grades and styles make Penken Park one of the largest and most varied snow parks in Europe, accessible from 6er Knorren. Among its other features are jumps, rails, boxes and tubes. Access is via the 6er Knorren mountain station; is situated on the Knorren ridge. A blue and yellow sign with a logo defines the entrance to Penken Park.
- The access to the Vans Penken Park from the 4er Sun-Jet: Starting at the 4er Sun-Jet, Vans Penken Park is an exclusive section of Penken Park sponsored by the Vans brand. It features an original and artistic arrangement with the Vans Penken Rainbow Rail, Vans Penken Snake Run and Vans Penken Wallride. It can be reached from the 4er Sun-Jet mountain station on the Sun-Jet slope. A red and black sign with a logo marks the entrance to Vans Penken Park.
- The access to the Fun Slope Ahorn from the 6er Filzenalmlift: Access to the fun Slope Ahorn via the 6er Filzenalmlift: Combining aspects of a ski slope, a snow park and a cross-country ski trail, this fun and family-friendly hill’s diverse capabilities include waves, tunnels, bridges and poles slalom. Access comes from the mountain station of the 6er Filzenalmlift; it is found on the Ahorn plateau. There is a green and white sign with a logo marking the approach to Fun Slope A
Draglifts In Mayrhofen
Types of Draglifts
With a total length of 9.5 km and capacity for 20,000 people per hour, Mayrhofen has fourteen draglifts. Together with several neighboring ski resorts, including Finkenberg and Rastkogel, the ski lifts cover the districts of Penken and Ahorn. The shape and size of the mechanism that drags passengers determines the various types of draglifts. Mayrhofen has many types of draglifts:
- T-bar lifts: T-bar lifts are draglifts with a T-shaped bar capable of carrying two people at the same time. Sitting on either side of the bar, travelers place it between their legs. The bar is connected to a wire that drags guests down the hill. Among Mayrhofen’s T-bar lifts are the Eggalmbahn and the Tappenalmlift.
- Button lifts: One passenger at a time, these button-shaped disc draglifts can hold. The disc is attached to a chain that drags the passenger down the hill. Two button lifts from Mayrhofen are the Ahornlift and the Penkenjochlift.
- Platter lifts: Dish lifts are draglifts with a dish-shaped device capable of holding one person at a time. Perched on the gadget, the passenger slides it between their legs. Attached to a rope, the device moves the passenger up the hill. Two of Mayrhofen’s plate lifts are the Wanglalm and the Gerlossteinlift.
Locations and Routes
The destination and intermediate stations determine the locations and routes of the draglifts in Mayrhofen. Generally situated in higher, more isolated parts of the ski resort, ski lifts are where gondolas and chairlifts are impractical or expensive. In addition to providing access to unique areas such as starting slopes, snow parks and freeride zones, draglifts also function as links between various slopes and lifts. The most important draglift locations and paths in Mayrhofen are:
- The location of the Tappenalmlift on the Tappenalm: Located on the Tappenalmlift, a T-bar lift that connects the Finkenberger Alm to the Rastkogel, the location of the Tappenalmlift is the Tappenalm ski area. In addition to access to the Vans Penken Park and the Harakiri slope, the Tappenalmlift connects the 6er Tappenalmbahn to the 8er Wanglspitz.
- The location of the Penkenjochlift on the Penken plateau: The Penkenjochlift is a cable car situated in Penkenjochhill on the Penken plateau, Penken’s main ski area. Along with access to Penken Park and Fun Ride Penken, the Penkenjochlift connects the Penkenbahn to the 6er Schneekar.
- The location of the Gerlossteinlift on the Gerlosstein: The Gerlossteinlift is a cable car situated on Gerlosstein, a mountain in the Zillertal Alps and a component of the Ski Zillertal 3000 network. In addition to access to the Gerlosstein ski area and the Gerlosstein toboggan run, the Gerlossteinlift connects the Gerlossteinbahn to the 4er Lämmerbichl.
- The route of the Eggalmbahn from the Eggalm to the Rastkogel: Running from Eggalm to Rastkogel, the Eggalmbahn is a T-shaped cable car that connects two ski resorts included in the Ski Zillertal 3000 network. In addition to access to the Eggalm ski area and the Rastkogel ski area, the Eggalmbahn connects Eggalmbahn to the Rastkogelbahn.
Beginner-Friendly Draglifts
As draglifts in Mayrhofen require some knowledge and experience to use, they are not particularly suitable for beginners. However, because they feature shorter, simpler routes, lower, gentler speeds, and wider, flatter slopes, certain draglifts are better suited to novices than others. Among the easiest draglifts available in Mayrhofen are some:
- The Ahornlift on the Ahorn plateau: Located in the more family-friendly region of Ahorn, the Ahornlift is a button elevator on the Ahorn plateau. The Ahornlift has a low, steady pace, a short, simple path, and a large, level slope. Beginner users who want to improve their skills and enjoy their surroundings will find the Ahornlift perfect.
- The Wanglalm on the Wanglspitz: Located at the top of the Wanglspitz, a mountain in the Tux Alps and the highest point in the Ski Zillertal 3000 network, the Wanglalm is a cable car. The Wanglalm features a low, steady pace, a short, simple route and a wide, level slope. Beginners who like to experience heights and views will find Wanglalm perfect.
- The Penken Übungslift on the Penken plateau: Located on the Penken plateau, which is Penken’s main ski area, the Penken Übungslift is a button lift. Beginners who want to get to Penken Park and Fun Ride Penken will find the Penken Übungslift perfect.
