With its exceptional variety and outstanding new features, Mayrhofen is excellently prepared to start the winter season. Once again, this extensive skiing area with its 136 piste kilometres and 57 lifts leaves nothing to be desired. Two fascinating extremes are situated right on the doorstep – Penken and Ahorn.
Penken offers highlights such as the Harakiri – Austria's steepest slope adventure – and the Vans PenkenPark with its cool areas and obstacles. On Ahorn guests can discover numerous insider tips: Café-Bistro Freiraum with its breathtaking location, the family-friendly pistes, the sun-drenched Ahorn Plateau and the White Lounge complete with Ice Bar and Igloo Hotel. This year winter starts off with a particularly spectacular opening of the world's most state-ofthe-art cable car and the legendary sports event RISE&FALL. A superb range of activities and service guarantee unlimited fun in the snow.
Know your lifts. Queues for the main Penken area can be tiresome at peak times so it’s often best to branch out a little. Try the Ahorn cable car, especially if you have beginner buddies, for your early runs and head over to Penken when the traffic calms later in the morning. All are connected by prompt and frequent buses.
Do as the locals do and stop by the award-winning butchers, Gasser, to chow down on a sandwich or burger. You’ll not regret it.
Breakfast
Gasser: Seasonaires swear by it. An award-winning butchers that sells sandwiches and burgers starting at €5. Stop in for a breakfast bap and you may well meet your instructor doing likewise.
Lunch
Ahornhuette/Ahorn: Family-run, family-owned, family-built (by same family who still own and run) and walls are hung with family photos: this place is all about family. Hearty meals will set you back €20 for a couple of courses. Easy for skiers or those coming up from the village – it’s at the top of the Ahorn cable car. Bring the family, maybe.
The Neue Post: For very big pizzas at very reasonable prices you can’t do better than this.
Wirtshaus zum Griena: For some 400 years this charming dining room has been dishing up the dumplings. Tirolean through and through and just a short walk (10 mins) from the village centre. Try the Kaiserschmarrn or the Kasspatzlang, if you can say it. Or just point.
Dinner
Restaurant Grillkuchl: is a local favourite and great value for money considering the quality.
Alpenhotel Kramerwirt: At 340 years old, this veritable upstart is a good choice for upmarket nosh. Much of the fare comes from the family farm, including butter and some super-creamy ice cream. €25 for two courses.
The Elisabeth Hotel: The Steakhouse at Elisabeth griddles the best flesh in town. Two courses will set you back around €30 depending on the cut. Downstairs the Mamma Mia restaurant serves authentic Italian specialising in the ever-popular pasta and pizza.
Aprés Ski/Nightlife
The Austrians know a thing or two about Apres and those in Mayrhofen know a thing or two more. Whether you want to shot-slam the night away or enjoy a comfortable dumpling in rustic restaurant the Hof has something for everyone. The White Lounge ice hotel near the Ahorn cable station is not to be missed. Start your evening/afternoon here with a couple of cocktails and watch the sun slide behind the mountains. The Pilzbar at the Penken top station is another great place to start your Apres early. Last lift down is at 5 or 5.30. In town Scotland Yard, popular with seasonnaires and borders, is a rowdy pub selling Brit beers. Also try The Ice Bar next to the Penken gondola.
Ahornstraße 853
A-6290 Mayrhofen, Tyrol
Austria