Solden, Saalbach or Mayrhofen in Feb??

A-monk29, if you're cost conscious I'd be very surprised if Mayrhofen isn't the cheapest option even DIY. I usually find Soll or Mayrhofen are the cheapest option with the UK TO's.

You should get good snow in any of those at that time of year. Main drawbacks to my mind (not all applicable to your group) in Mayrhofen is the Gondola up and back down (there is no runs to resort level from Penken), the runs are pretty short, lack of steep runs (although in the Harakiri is meant to be Austrians steepest) and lack of off piste. The night life is varied and as it's a proper town you can immerse yourself in it fully or avoid it. Mayrhofen's main skiing is some distance from the town centre – high on the Penken, which rises way above the town and as mentioned is reached by a large gondola in the centre of town. There's a free bus service to the main lifts, running approximately every 15-20 mins, but the buses can get crowded at busy times. There are links with the village of Finkenberg and Lanersbach, as well as quieter, gentler slopes more suitable for novices on the Ahorn across the valley. The Penken-Horberg slopes are all above the tree line. The Hintertux glacier is worth a visit.

Out of those on your list they will all meet your requirements, Saalbach is one of my old favorites and I've skied in great conditions in May even. You may also want to consider Soll and Kitzbuhel good for intermediates and St Anton and Ischgl-the later will be pricey though.

Any questions give me a shout, as my liver will testify I've drank and also skied in most of the Austrian resorts over the years.

I didn't click on that you were planning on going half term week-don't everthing will inflated price wise (flights accom) And for the love of God March is not too late to go to any of these! These places would not be viable if they had to close in March!!!! I had pretty ropey condition in Tignes January gone and great conditions mid AMrch in Saalbach.

Grizwald wrote:Main drawbacks to my mind (not all applicable to your group) in Mayrhofen is the Gondola up and back down (there is no runs to resort level from Penken), the runs are pretty short, lack of steep runs (although in the Harakiri is meant to be Austrians steepest) and lack of off piste. The night life is varied and as it's a proper town you can immerse yourself in it fully or avoid it. Mayrhofen's main skiing is some distance from the town centre – high on the Penken, which rises way above the town and as mentioned is reached by a large gondola in the centre of town. There's a free bus service to the main lifts, running approximately every 15-20 mins, but the buses can get crowded at busy times. There are links with the village of Finkenberg and Lanersbach, as well as quieter, gentler slopes more suitable for novices on the Ahorn across the valley. The Penken-Horberg slopes are all above the tree line. The Hintertux glacier is worth a visit.

Just to confirm, Mayrhofen is down in a low lying valley and the skiing is all up higher so reasonably snow sure. The downside of that is that you take a gondola ride up either to Penken (main area) or Ahorn (tiny area but worth a morning) from the town centre.
Buses are regular and very efficient, and I've never ever had a problem getting on one because of the number of people.
However, I go up the gondola early and not at 9am when the world and its dog appear to be going up. Simple rule with Mayrhofen, as with most other large ski stations, is get up early and get up the mountain first thing. You'll get the best skiing that time anyway.

Theres also the Horberg gondola from Hippach side of town which takes you further in to the ski area on Penken, seriously worth considering taking up if you are based that side of Mayrhofen as its always quieter and takes you right into the heart of the ski area.

Theres a regular bus service to Hintertux where the glacier is, well worth at least one days skiing at, only takes 25 mins to get there from Mayrhofen.
You should also explore the slopes above Lanersbach known as the Eggalm area, much quieter with some great reds to attack. And have a day over at Zell am Ziller, either take the free bus or train to get there, and ski across to Gerlos for a change of scene.

Its a good ski area, but I've done it to death now.

If you want any info on bars and places to eat, drop me a PM. Its a cracking town and theres loads going on, but not in your face if you dont want it.

re all the answers they are all good, however when i went to mayrhofen there was a choice of 6 different ski areas penken, ahorn, kaltenbach, fugen, zell am ziller, and the hintertux. each one with the exception of ahorn and fugen will easily take up your day. yes you have to travel to the resorts an hour at most but if you get up early you will be on most before 9:30. by 3 or 4 your done then start drinking in earnest till about ten, quick pizza bed. the apres ski in the hof is ace but then the reason you go is for the snow. you have to force yourself up but its worth it and then your ready to do it all over again.

Ok..so we've decided not to go during the mid-terms in Feb. We're going instead from the 10th-17th of March. Mayrhofen definitely looks like the cheapest option. We've got a good deal for an apartment at the Bruggerhof. Its only 400m from the Penken Gondola. It's refundable so I still have some time to decide between Solden and Mayrhofen. Thanks for all your help guys.

a-monk29 wrote:Ok..so we've decided not to go during the mid-terms in Feb. We're going instead from the 10th-17th of March. Mayrhofen definitely looks like the cheapest option. We've got a good deal for an apartment at the Bruggerhof. Its only 400m from the Penken Gondola. It's refundable so I still have some time to decide between Solden and Mayrhofen. Thanks for all your help guys.

If I may....?

Mayrhofen that late could be dodgy. Ok its not really late, but the Mighty M is known to struggle late season. Having said that it could be epic, however given the choice I'd go to Solden later March.

Ive skied MH in Late March for the last 3 years Im an early riser I get the first gondolla up the penken and thrash around the areas till 3pm have a few beers as it starts to get slushy.going again in March with loads of people Ive met over the past few years would I recommend it of course I would

Gary Waters wrote:Ive skied MH in Late March for the last 3 years Im an early riser I get the first gondolla up the penken and thrash around the areas till 3pm have a few beers as it starts to get slushy.going again in March with loads of people Ive met over the past few years would I recommend it of course I would

This is where i struggle....why go somewhere late season where you know you have to be off the mountain early because it gets slushy?
I've skied Verbier and Serre Chevalier in April and neither of them forced us to come off early. The only issues were the lowest runs down to resort level which were pretty slushy and carved up, but you stay up top all day until its time to come off, usually about 4.30 when the lifts shut?