Austria’s Steepest Ski Slope: Conquering Harakiri in Mayrhofen
Dare to ski a groomed slope with a 78% incline? One Planet Journey’s Louise Plank did, and she’s here to tell you all about it. Harakiri, the black run ski slope in Mayrhofen, holds the infamous distinction of being Austria’s steepest prepared descent and promises a massive adrenaline rush. Keep reading for expert tips on how to prepare, what to expect, where to stay, and the best après-ski spots.
Taking on the Harakiri Challenge: Austria’s Steepest Slope
Harakiri is a form of Japanese ritualistic suicide through self-disembowelment by samurai. In hindsight, I’m glad I only discovered its meaning after skiing down the slope named after this brutal practice.
At the top of this infamous black run, a sign greeted us: “Hau di runter”, Austrian for “Throw yourself down.” The English translation, equally ominous, reads “Only For Well-trained Skiers.” At that moment, my lack of preparation became painfully clear, yet stubbornness refused to let me back down.
Situated in Mountopolis at the Mayrhofen ski resort, Harakiri is Austria’s steepest groomed slope. With an incline of up to 78% and a vertical drop of 375 metres, successfully completing this run earns you silent entry into the Harakiri Club. Former Olympic skier Graham Bell once remarked, “It’s quite unusual because Mayrhofen is a resort suited for recreational and intermediate skiers,” yet this is extreme skiing.
During February half-term, families pack the slopes, fresh snow a scarce commodity. I remember wondering if conditions would hold up given the unpredictable climate. However, snow machines work overnight to ensure the pistes have a new dusting each morning.
The Resort and Skiing in Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen, at the end of Zillertal Valley, is famous for the Harakiri but also sports a range of pistes for all abilities and ambitions. A nice bonus is the lounge at 2,000 metres providing the perfect place to unwind with a cold beer. For those seeking more adrenaline, PenkenPark, the resort’s second-biggest draw after Harakiri, offers an ideal space to practise your tricks.
One of my favourite areas is the Hintertux Glacier, which my ski pass included. If winter sports aren’t your thing, a cable car transports visitors to the Natural Ice Palace, where they can explore the glacier’s interior and admire its stunning formations. This rare vantage point provides a different way to delve deeper into what the destination offers. A great thing about Mayrhofen is the fact that it’s Austria’s only year-round ski resort, thanks to its high altitude of 3,250 metres. So, if you’re a snowhead chasing epic runs in every season, this is the place. The home of Harakiri, Austria’s steepest black run slope.
On the morning of my crazy decision to tackle Black 34, I warmed up on red and black runs. Not only to refine my technique, but also to build confidence. I later learned that Piste 12, known as the Harakiri Test Run, is an appropriate benchmark for the main event. If you can handle that, you’re good to go. In hindsight, I’d recommend razor-sharp ski edges and above-average skills, something I foolishly overlooked when renting my budget skis.
The Harakiri Ski Slope
Once I felt ready, I took the Knorrenbahn lift to the top of the run. A crowd had gathered, debating whether to brave Harakiri or opt for the easier red route down to the restaurants. The latter sounded increasingly tempting until a group of kids, no older than 13 or 14, stormed past us and, without hesitation, launched themselves down the black run. Suddenly, I had something to prove.
A quick swig of liquid courage, and I took off. Dare I say it? The first few turns felt surprisingly smooth, almost as if they mislabelled it as a black run. I made long, controlled parallel movements across the slope until the ground abruptly dropped away, and I came to a grinding halt. The confidence I’d gained from the Jaegermeister disappeared as I finally faced my challenge.
Heart pounding, palms clammy, and legs like jelly, I looked down. Most skiers followed the sign’s advice to “throw themselves down” the slope. I made out sounds of skis scraping against ice and the occasional yelp of someone falling. Bell had warned, “If you fall on this, you’re probably not going to stop until you get to the bottom,” because the gradient is that severe. At first, we had a perfect bluebird day, but by the afternoon, the morning’s soft powder had hardened into icy patches. No more forgiving snow. Still, I had come too far to quit.
Descending Harakiri
“Three, two, one!” I said to myself, before committing to my first turn. I planned to take it one turn at a time, except that my initial move sent me skidding down an invisible sheet of ice until my skis finally found grip. All those hours in Ski Schule and my years of experience seemed to vanish. Halfway down the slope and all I can remember is “Hau di runter”, so I go with that.
Fuelled by adrenaline, a bit of fear, and absolutely no technique, I commit to the moment and focus on the snow ahead, making sharp, quick turns until, at last, the incline begins to level out.
Heart racing, palms damp, and legs trembling, I had made it. I turned back to take in what I had accomplished. Now, I could relax. I had conquered the Harakiri ski slope, though I wouldn’t be rushing to do it again.
It’s funny, the things we put ourselves through merely to say we’ve done something. The entire experience lasted no more than 10 minutes, yet I had never felt so many emotions in such a brief span of time. A mix of freedom and exhilaration, combined with pride and relief, turned this moment into a lifetime memory. That feeling of personal achievement, along with the sheer physicality of this extreme descent, created the deep, meaningful travel experiences we seek.
Where to Stay, Ski, and Après-Ski in Mayrhofen
During my time in Mayrhofen, I couldn’t miss Austria’s legendary après-ski culture. The Ice Bar, packed with skiers from 4 p.m. onwards, sits conveniently at the base of the gondola. A lively crowd and remixed dance tracks combine for the perfect way to wrap up an epic day on the slopes.
If you’re craving a well-deserved cocktail or a more relaxed setting to unbuckle your ski boots, I’d recommend BrasserieQ. Their extensive drink menu and cosy outdoor seating area make it a glorious spot to catch the last of the afternoon sun. Likewise, El Toro Steak and Tapas is a short walk from the Penkenbahn lift. With a twist on traditional Austrian fare, their menu features excellent steaks and Spanish-style tapas, ideal after a long, action-packed day of skiing in Mayrhofen.
Getting there
From Innsbruck Airport, it’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or train. Crystal Ski Holidays offers a package through TUI that arranges transfers to and from the airport by coach.
Staying there
In Mayrhofen town, Hotel Strolz is a short walk from the gondola, set in a peaceful location, right by a bus stop. After a tiring day on the mountain, the indoor spa and wellness facilities are heavenly.
Ski lessons and rentals
If you’re an inexperienced skier or snowboarder, I’d recommend lessons as a wise investment. Prices are available at Ski-Pro. For rentals, check out Bründl Sports.
Have you done the Harakiri black run ski slope? How did you find the experience? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
