Mayrhofen is part of the Zillertal 3000 ski region that includes Mayrhofen, Finkenberg, Lanersbach / Eggalm and the Hintertux Glacier, together offering 245 km pistes, 67 lifts and year round skiing on the Hintertux Glacier. The skiing in Mayrhofen itself is spread across the 2 sides of the valley with the Ahorn ski area being best suited to families and beginners and the Penken side being ideal for intermediates and above skiers and snowboarders.

Beginner skiers can find a cluster of gentle skiing just below the top station of the Ahorn cable car. The area is popular with families and has a pretty laid back feel to it. The Penken side has a good number of beginner slopes but they are more widely spread and part of the general mix of Penken skiing, whereas the Ahorn area is broadly easy around the top station.

Intermediate skiers should spend their time in the Penken area due to the impressive size and scope of the skiing. Take the 150er cable car up and head over toward the Egglam ski area for some excellent and scenic runs with the pyramid outline if the 3476m Olperer on the Hintertux Glacier hanging on the horizon. This is also the best route to get over to the Hintertux Glacier, with a short ride on the ski bus from Lanersbach.

Advanced skiers will be drawn to the Harakiri ski piste, the steepest groomed run in Austria. After descending it spend a few minutes leaning on poles on the still steep lower section and watch those still cutting their teeth on steep stuff come undone on this celebrated piste – skis, poles, goggles, bodies – they all head down in various states of disarray. Steep it surely is, the real challenge for good skiers in the Mayrhofen Penken area is to be found beneath the 150er cable with some sensational off-piste ski routes to be tackled (guides required).