Groups
Equity in resort
Equity run hotels and chalets
With 172 lifts and 620kms of dazzling skiing this is easily Austria's biggest
pass. The major areas link a la Française but this is the Zillertal,
and that means the kind of Austrian charm that even Austrians go on holiday
for! The picturesque villages, snow-covered meadows, forest runs, and classic,
Austrian ski travelling all represent the tradition and the soul of the sport.
Anyone who skied here a few years ago will be delighted to see the changes.
Jumbo gondolas, gargantuan cable cars at altitude and new covered chairs have
swallowed a lot of the infamous Mayrhofen queues; and powerful snowmaking keeps
everything in good nick. There's tremendous variety for everyone, even experts
and off-piste fans. Mayrhofen links with Lanersbach making the biggest single
area (140km) in the Ziller valley. Above Mayrhofen, the Penken-Horberg offers
mostly intermediate skiing, with tree runs, smooth cruises and some tricky stuff
above the tree line on great snow.
Mayrhofen also has the separate Ahorn, which is almost entirely devoted to beginners.
Here there's uncrowded, high nursery areas on good snow. The gentle, confidence
inspiring rounded hills are very conducive to learning. Although there is plenty
of local skiing, it's definitely worth using the superb, free transport system
to access other ski areas and villages. Equity staff will be pleased
to help.
10mins away are Zell am Ziller and Gerlos, old favourites from decades ago,
which now share a wonderful ski area of 115kms. The massive Hintertux glacier,
at the top of the valley, is 30mins away and is included on the pass. There's
over 90km and loads of choice, which is very rare for a glacier. Kaltenbach
and Hochfugen were linked togther a couple of years ago and are also great but
slightly further at 15/25mins. We hope eventually to see virtually the whole
620km linked by lift and piste. That will be something!
Although definitely the classic alpine village with approved chocolate box charm,
Mayrhofen is also the most popular winter resort in Austria. All the traditional
winter pastimes are here; like horse drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, skating,
keller bars, cafes and cake shops. There are folk nights and other Zillertal
kitsch of affectionate memory; but there's also loads of lively pubs and clubs
for its young following and some sophisticated cafes and restaurants for those
who like peace and quiet.
The famous Mayrhofen mountain restaurants are fantastic; wood fires, rib-sticking
mountain food, and a warm welcome guaranteed. The ice bar at the bottom of the
Penken, officially Europe's biggest seller of Grolsch beer, is roaring after
the lifts close and you need special discipline to leave on time for dinner!
Mayrhofen has all the ingredients in bucket loads. No wonder it's popular.
Village Facts
Very lively, fantastic Tyrolean entertainment and a huge range of Après
ski activities.
o Ice rink
o Swimming centre with adventure pool, fun pool, sauna, solariums, fitness centre
o Squash
o Indoor tennis
o Horse riding
o Ice skating
o Sleigh rides
o Toboggans
o Bowling
o Paragliding
o Marked walks
o Cinema (German)
o Superb kindergarten and crèche
o Smart shops
o Night skiing
o Indoor tennis and squash