Need to know: At 630m, Mayrhofen is low but has three spectacular gondolas that whisk you up to the slopes on either side of the valley. Newcomers will enjoy the gentle slopes of the Ahorn mountain. The other mountain, Penken, is excellent for intermediates, with a variety of red runs, and a valley called Tappenalm, dotted with great cafes.
Excellent for: Getting to by road or train from budget-airline-friendly Salzburg and Munich. As soon as in town, there is a range of decently priced accommodation, and food markets for self-caterers or picnic fans. The cafes and coffee shops will keep a non-skiing parent or grandparent interested, too.
Bonus: Soon to be freestyle skiers or snowboarders will enjoy the park at the top of Tappenalm.
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