The famed Austrian city recently completed the construction of the new Nordkettenbahn funicular, connecting the town center of Innsbruck to the Nordpark ski area. The funicular mixes state-of-the-art engineering with modern architectural stations designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The funicular starts underground right at the center of the city. "You can be at Nordpark skiing from the old city in less than 20 minutes," states Edu Santander of Innsbruck Tourism. "Now people can have the benefit of staying in Old Innsbruck with the convenience of one of Austria's steepest ski areas right at its front door." The views from the Nordpark ski area are nothing less than spectacular. Small by Alps standards, the ski area offers wonderful powder skiing and some of Austria's steepest runs. "I have been skiing in many resorts in Austria and this remains one of the most challenging," says Santander. The resort offers a terrain park and half pipe for day and night skiing. The funicular can be used with the Innsbruck Card, a pass that can be purchased for a 24 hour period that gives access to many sites in Innsbruck and beyond.