The Harakiri in Mayrhofen is among Austria's most notorious and steepest slopes. Should you venture downhill without sufficient skiing experience, the slope lives up to the meaning of its name. The Harakiri has a gradient of no less than 78%, making it steeper than some ski jumps. Adrenaline fans will find a proper challenge on this +/- 2 km long slope.
Mayrhofen is a lively village in the Zillertal valley, with access to the ski area Ski Zillertal 3000 Ski & Gletscherwelt. The latter also includes the Hintertux Glacier. With over 200 km of pistes that stretch on altitudes between 630 and 3,250 metres, you can benefit from a snow-sure ski season and plenty of variety. Those looking for a challenge can venture down the Black 34 slope, better known as the Harakiri. The steepness of this piste is already somewhat betrayed by its name. Harakiri comes from Japanese and stands for the traditional Samurai suicide. Only when you sit in the Knorrenbahn lift on the Penken ski resort will you realise what awaits you on the Haraiki slope, and your heart might start beating a little faster. The piste is also known for its extremely icy conditions. In fact, the Harakiri is so steep that the piste bully can only groom the descent with the help of a winch. Fortunately, if you change your mind, there are some alternatives at the top: you can take the red 32 and 33 or proceed towards the blue 53, 28 and 29. The latter two will require you to cross a small section of red.
Let's start by saying that for Harakiri, you need above-average skiing technique. One requirement, however, is that you can get down red and black pistes effortlessly. The motto is bodyweight forward and constant pressure on the valley ski. After a few turns, you will have the steepest part behind (it's only 400 metres long). The lower part of the descent is already a lot friendlier and less steep. For preparation, you can first try piste no. 12, the DevilsRun. If you come down there in one piece, you are ready for the Harakiri.
Do you want more than just a photo of you on or in front of the slope to remember the Harakiri? You can buy a special Harakiri T-shirt, perfect to wear at home and in the après-ski. T-shirts are available online and in the Harakiri Bar. This makes the Harakiri not only one of the steepest but also one of the best-branded slopes in the Alps.
After the big challenge, it's time for après-ski in Mayrhofen. Where else but at the Harakiri Bar can you chat about the exhilarating descent? The bar is ideal for relaxing and chilling out after a long winter sports day.
Mountain station:
Knorren
Highest point:
2,081 metres
Slope gradient:
78 %
Tip:
Harakiri Bar
Ski area:
Penken, Mayrhofen
Length:
+/- 2 km
Altitude difference:
376 metres
Difficulty:
Heavy
Preparation:
Good
Verdict:
4 stars
The Harakiri in Mayrhofen is a challenging run for practised winter sports enthusiasts. In good piste conditions, skiing can be quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, the piste is often very crowded, so you have to make your turns a lot more carefully to avoid collisions and falls. The slope is pretty hyped, but we didn't find it too exciting. However, after a successful descent, one does feel very good! It completes the piste, snowpark, and après-ski offer in Mayrhofen.
The Harakiri is not the only steep slope in Austria and the Alps. In fact, there are many more steep slopes and other exciting descents. Among others:
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
