Nestled in the Zillertal valley of the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen encompasses several ski resorts plus the Hintertux Glacier and offers skiing as far as the eye can see. An authentic, traditional vibe and delicious Tyrolean cuisine round off any family holiday, while more diehard skiers and snowboarders can try their luck on the infamous Harakiri piste. Not for nothing is Mayrhofen famous for its après-ski scene - after a day on the slopes, rest your weary limbs over a pint or two at one of the many bars and nightclubs on the mountain or in the town.
The White Lounge at the Igloo Village on Ahorn Mountain is Europe’s classiest igloo, offering unbeatable views of the Zillertal valley as you sip your glühwein. For more hardy partiers, the thumping Europop and characteristic red mushroom umbrellas of the Pilzbar welcome skiers and snowboarders straight off the slopes at the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola. The Penken cable car stays open a little later, allowing you to start the night off right with a thirst-quenching drink. If the Pilzbar is full, try the nearby Elchbar at the Bergrast at the Bergrast, offering equally cheesy Austrian fun.
White Lounge
When it’s closing time at the Pilzbar, the crowds pour off the Penken gondola directly into the Ice Bar at the Hotel Strass, located in the same building as the Arena nightclub (formerly the Speakeasy Arena) for a seamless transition into your night out. If you’re homesick, the Scotland Yard Pub serves British beer and - on a completely unrelated note - boasts a colourful history, including an erstwhile stint as the Mayrhofen police station and neighbourhood drunk tank. The Harakiri Bar is more posh and caters to people of all ages, while Mo's offers a blues and jazz scene with Caribbean influences.
Polar Bear at the Ice Bar (c) Hotel Strass
We’ve already mentioned the Arena, a huge club boasting a top-notch line-up of international DJs and one of the cornerstones of the annual Snowbombing festival. Near the bottom of the Ahorn cable car lies another classic, the infamous Brück n Stadl, possibly Mayrhofen’s most popular nightclub, where entrance is free and the party rages well into the wee hours. After it closes, hit up the Garage or the Schlusselalm, both open late.
All images of Hotel Strass including teaser of this page (c) Hotel Strass
In addition to the good vibes you’re sure to find all winter long, Mayrhofen also hosts two of the biggest events in the Alps. Once a year, Europe’s best and brightest hit up Mayrhofen for the Altitude Comedy Festival. This year marks the first edition of the Altitude Christmas Week, featuring a Festival of Lights and traditional Austrian Christmas themes in addition to guaranteed laughs. Just when you thought ski season was winding down, whip out your spring skiing gear for the Snowbombing, 8 days of killer tunes from world-class DJs.
(c) Altitude Comedy Festival
Nestled in the Zillertal valley of the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen encompasses several ski resorts plus the Hintertux Glacier and offers skiing as far as the eye can see. An authentic, traditional vibe and delicious Tyrolean cuisine round off any family holiday, while more diehard skiers and snowboarders can try their luck on the infamous Harakiri piste. Not for nothing is Mayrhofen famous for its après-ski scene - after a day on the slopes, rest your weary limbs over a pint or two at one of the many bars and nightclubs on the mountain or in the town.
The White Lounge at the Igloo Village on Ahorn Mountain is Europe’s classiest igloo, offering unbeatable views of the Zillertal valley as you sip your glühwein. For more hardy partiers, the thumping Europop and characteristic red mushroom umbrellas of the Pilzbar welcome skiers and snowboarders straight off the slopes at the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola. The Penken cable car stays open a little later, allowing you to start the night off right with a thirst-quenching drink. If the Pilzbar is full, try the nearby Elchbar at the Bergrast at the Bergrast, offering equally cheesy Austrian fun.
White Lounge
When it’s closing time at the Pilzbar, the crowds pour off the Penken gondola directly into the Ice Bar at the Hotel Strass, located in the same building as the Arena nightclub (formerly the Speakeasy Arena) for a seamless transition into your night out. If you’re homesick, the Scotland Yard Pub serves British beer and - on a completely unrelated note - boasts a colourful history, including an erstwhile stint as the Mayrhofen police station and neighbourhood drunk tank. The Harakiri Bar is more posh and caters to people of all ages, while Mo's offers a blues and jazz scene with Caribbean influences.
Polar Bear at the Ice Bar (c) Hotel Strass
We’ve already mentioned the Arena, a huge club boasting a top-notch line-up of international DJs and one of the cornerstones of the annual Snowbombing festival. Near the bottom of the Ahorn cable car lies another classic, the infamous Brück n Stadl, possibly Mayrhofen’s most popular nightclub, where entrance is free and the party rages well into the wee hours. After it closes, hit up the Garage or the Schlusselalm, both open late.
All images of Hotel Strass including teaser of this page (c) Hotel Strass
In addition to the good vibes you’re sure to find all winter long, Mayrhofen also hosts two of the biggest events in the Alps. Once a year, Europe’s best and brightest hit up Mayrhofen for the Altitude Comedy Festival. This year marks the first edition of the Altitude Christmas Week, featuring a Festival of Lights and traditional Austrian Christmas themes in addition to guaranteed laughs. Just when you thought ski season was winding down, whip out your spring skiing gear for the Snowbombing, 8 days of killer tunes from world-class DJs.
(c) Altitude Comedy Festival
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
