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Penken Loop

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen Hippach

A tough climb out of a beautiful valley leads to a ripping descent.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
21 km
Ascent
569 m
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
639 m
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
12˚
Penken Loop Map

This is a great ride, with some remarkably peaceful sections and some really fast riding too. Best of all it's accessed using a cable car so the vertical metres descended far outweighs the metres climbed.

Description

Start out at the top of the Penkenbahn cable car which originates right in the middle of Mayrhofen. Climb very briefly and then make a long, descending traverse around a wooded hillside and down to the top station of the Horbergeralm lift. In winter this lift sits in a busy valley, full of skiers and snowboarders but in summer the valley is quiet and peaceful. Right next to the lift station are the Kressbrunn am Horberg and Eisberghütte restaurants, and several other lift stations too.

Head west and climb steadily up to and then past the Tappenalm and Grillhofalm huts. After passing the Grillhofalm the climb gets much steeper and it's frankly a tough grind up to the Penken peak. Fortunately there are a series of wonderful huts at which to refresh yourself once the climb is done!

To descend, head down a good jeep track which heads east and zig zags down the hillside beneath the second section of the Finkenbergbahn gondola. The jeep track is rough initially and there are some fun little shortcuts to ride down too.

Eventually the jeep track smoothes out and becomes extremely rip-able! As you get closer to the valley bottom the track becomes a road. Upon reaching Finkenberg village, head back along the main road to Mayrhofen.

Difficulty

Moderate

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Road sections
  • Wet-weather friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area