Piste Overview
Blue
44 km (31%)
Red
66 km (46%)
Black
32 km (23%)
Ski Route
8.7 km
Total: 142 km
Lift System
Gondolas
Chairlifts
T-Bar Lifts
Aerial Trams
Total: 38 lifts
Resort Review
Large, interconnected ski area with two distinct characters: Penken for action, steep slopes & the park; Ahorn for sunshine, wide pistes and families – plus a ski safari all the way to Rastkogel/Eggalm.
Advantages
- Two distinct areas in a single holiday: Penken for sporty skiing and park focus, Ahorn sunny and family-oriented
- A vast, well-connected ski area with 142 km of pistes, plus ski routes and the option of long circuit tours
- An outstanding freestyle setup with the PenkenPark (multiple lines for different ability levels)
Disadvantages
- Not everywhere “ski-in all the way to the valley”: depending on sector/route, the return to the valley is partly by lift/train
- Connections toward Rastkogel/Eggalm can feel trail-like in sections, or less “flowy”
- Freeriding within the tighter resort area is more via marked ski routes; true backcountry requires experience and careful planning
Action on the Penken, tranquillity on the Ahorn: two mountains that truly complement each other
Mayrhofen – Mountopolis plays to its strengths through contrast: on the Penken, a more athletic “fun & action” vibe takes centre stage; on the Ahorn, it’s all about relaxed enjoyment and families. Together, they create an area where groups with different expectations can happily ski in parallel.
Ski safari in the network: big enough for several days, but not “ski-in to the valley” everywhere
With 142 km of pistes (plus 8.7 km of ski routes) and an altitude range of approx. 630 to 2,500 m, Mountopolis is clearly set up as a multi-day destination. The link via Horberg/Rastkogel to Eggalm makes for long circuit tours – at the same time, it’s worth planning for the fact that not every sector offers a descent to the valley, and in places you’ll be taking the lift back down.
A piste mix with an athletic edge: lots of reds, plus true “tests of nerve”
Overall, the piste character is varied (from easy to demanding runs), with a distinctly sporty emphasis thanks to the many red pistes. The standout is the Harakiri on the Penken with a 78% gradient – a slope for very confident skiers, and only advisable in suitable conditions.
Modern lifts as the backbone: quick access, comfortable connections
The lift system is a real plus: many installations are designed for comfort and capacity, including major access lifts (among others, Penken/Ahorn). This helps especially in the mornings and when switching sectors – even if some connecting sections can be a bit flatter or more “track-like,” depending on the route.
Freestyle isn’t an add-on – it’s the programme: PenkenPark with a structured progression
The PenkenPark is one of the resort’s defining arguments: it’s divided into several lines/areas (from kids to pro), making it appealing far beyond only the strongest riders. That means freestyle works well even in mixed groups, without everyone needing the same focus.
Freeride: ski routes as an “official” framework – beyond that, only with know-how
For off-piste enthusiasts, the ski routes provide a clearly defined option. Anyone venturing beyond into open terrain will find plenty of possibilities in the Zillertal – but must take alpine hazards (especially avalanche conditions and navigation) seriously, and should be properly equipped and/or go with a local guide.
Family logic on the Ahorn: wide runs, learning areas, and “a break with a view”
The Ahorn is the obvious family anchor: wide, sunny descents, practice offerings, and a clear, easy-to-navigate day on the mountain. Added to that are family-friendly activity and break spots on the plateau (e.g. FunRide/family offers) and the WhiteLounge as a relaxed chill-out option right in the ski area.
Après-ski & leisure: lively in town, selective on the mountain – and plenty beyond the piste
Mayrhofen is known for après-ski and nightlife; there are also meeting points right in the ski area. Away from the runs, winter hiking, Ahorn experiences (e.g. the eagle experience) and the WhiteLounge/igloo world are typical highlights for days when you’re not “just” skiing.
Detailed Ratings
With 142 km of pistes, a notably high number of red runs, and a sporting showpiece (the Harakiri), Mountopolis offers plenty of variety. The interconnection of the area is strong, but valley descents aren’t available everywhere—so the “flow” is interrupted in places.
PenkenPark is clearly one of the highlights: multiple, permanently shaped lines—from kids to pros—make it a truly versatile setup. Add to that a location that’s ideal for quick park laps.
Ski routes offer a solid, officially designated introduction to off-piste terrain. But for true freeriding beyond that, the rule is: the region has real potential—yet safety expertise (and often local guiding) is essential.
At Ahorn, wide, sunlit runs meet beginner areas and family-friendly offerings, making it easier to plan your day. If you’re mainly after action, head to Penken—families will find in Ahorn the calmer anchor point.
Après-ski is a real presence in Mayrhofen—both in town, with its many bars, and in select spots up on the mountain. The atmosphere can be wonderfully lively, without feeling as though you’re inevitably stuck in party hotspots.
Winter hiking and adventure experiences on the Ahorn (including the WhiteLounge/igloo theme) give even non-ski days a clear structure. All in all, the resort offers enough alternatives to cushion bad-weather days or well-earned breaks.