Set in the valley of Zillertal in Tyrol, Austria, not only is the scenic town of Mayrhofen a top destination for the ski season, it’s also a delight during the summer months too, thanks to an abundance of flora and fauna.

1. Hit the ski slopes in Mayrhofen

The slopes. Mayrhofen is the home of one of Europe’s largest snowboard parks, called Vans Penken, while there’s 157km of piste to enjoy.

There are two lift stations to take you up the mountains – the Ahorn and the Penken. Ahorn is ideal for beginners with a wide and lengthy but not-too-steep slope to learn on.

There’s also a mammoth 5km black run with some extremely steep sections – for experts only!

Up the Penken lift you’ll find lengthy black and red runs, while there are a couple of blue runs and beginner slopes too.

2. Explore Zillertal National Park

Summertime in Mayrhofen is a nature lover’s dream, it’s an area that’s great for walking and cycling.

There are luscious green mountain tops and forests waiting to be explored packed with wildlife, flora and fauna.

Hikers should check out the Zillertal National Park which covers 379 sq km.

Mayrhofen also offers paragliding all year round for those seeking a bit more of an adventure.

3. Sample the Austrian food

Austrian food is deliciously hearty and there’s no shortage of places to chow down.

For a truly authentic experience, head to Perauer (Ahornstrasse 854) where the waitresses are dressed in traditional costume and the food is superb – think Wiener schnitzels, pork knuckle and venison.

Café Tirrol (Hauptstrasse 448) serves up a mean breakfast, while Meister-Metzger (also on Hauptsrasse) is a meat lover’s paradise, where schnitzel and sausage sandwiches make for too tasty takeaway that’s super cheap.

4. Taste the local drinks

Make sure you warm up with a jaeger tea, a potent bevvie concocted out of schnapps and rum.

5. Party at Snowbombing in Mayrhofen

There are a stack of bars and clubs to party the night away in. Mo’s Bar and Diner and Schlussel are a couple of good hotspots.

If you want to take your après skiing to another level, time your visit to Mayrhofen during the town’s annual Snowbombing festival, which takes place in early spring. Some superb DJs and bands descend on the town for the massive party.

Need to know

When to go: The ski season runs from December to April. This year Snowbombing runs from April 5-10.

Getting there: Fly direct from London to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich. There are bus and train services to Mayrhofen from these destinations. Innsbruck is 30 minutes away by car and Salzburg and Munich are about 2.5 hours’ drive.

Visas: South Africans need a Schengen.

Currency: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR.

Language: German.

Going out: A beer is €3.50.

Accommodation: B&Bs are about €35 per person, per night in winter. Three-star hotels are about €60.

See: snowbombing.com.

Words: Natasha Vuckovic