The best après-ski bars in Mayrhofen
Après is a USP in Mayrhofen – it starts in huts up the mountain when lunch is hardly over. Bars surround the top station of the Penken gondola at 1,800m, and more are waiting in the village.
The après scene and thriving nightlife delights or horrifies, according to taste, as does the fact that smoking is allowed in many of them. But there are peaceful bars too and if there’s one place in the Alps where low-slung pants co-habit happily with straight skis circa 1984, Mayrhofen is it.
Mayrhofen also hosts a number of major events, and none bigger than Snowbombing, a week-long snow-sports and music extravaganza held each spring. Previous headliners include Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal, Liam Gallagher, Madness and The Prodigy.
For further Mayrhofen inspiration, see our guides to the resort's best accommodation and restaurants.
The Pilzbar
At the top of the Penkenbahn gondola, Pilzbar has an umbrella bar and terrace. This is where the party starts, with Europop throbbing, way before the runs have closed.
Contact: pilzbar.at
Brück’n Stadl
Handily situated on Ahornstrasse, between the Ahorn and Penken lifts, Brück’n Stadl gets going from mid afternoon, with DJs, live accordion music and sing-a-longs, and evolves into a roaring late night out that goes on till the early hours.
Contact: brueckenstadl.at
Scotland Yard Pub
A long-term fixture on the Mayrhofen scene that was once indeed the local police HQ from the ‘60s until the mid ‘80s, Scotland Yard has the decor of a British pub, jooshed up with Austrian party vibe.
Contact: scotlandyard.at
Harakiri Bar
In a prime spot on the main street, Harakiri shows some sophistication, and can be a quieter place for early après from 4pm, before morphing into a club with DJs and late night dancers. Snacks are served too.
Contact: harakiri-bar.at
Nachtcafe Apropos
A quieter, off the beaten track place, hidden in a cellar on Hauptstrasse, cosy Apropos makes a change from full-on music. As well as cocktails and whisky tasting and there’s a range of games including pool.
Contact: 00 43 52 85 64 830; facebook/Nachtcafe-Apropos-Mayrhofen
Arena Night Club
In the Hotel Strass next to the Penkenbahn in town, the Arena Club is one of Mayrhofen’s top nightspots. An eclectic music mix is on offer, from pop chart hits and Austrian dance tunes to drum and bass and dubstep, sometimes all in one night. For earlier on, the Strass is also home to Icebar, open from 3pm with DJs, live acts and signature dancing polar bear.
Contact: hotelstrass.com