4 Forward-Thinking Ski Resort Funiculars

Innsbruck, Austria

Nord Kettenbahnen

Four futuristic funicular stations designed by Zaha Hadid break architectural ground while blending into their surroundings like glacial streams flowing down the slopes. Ascending 1,684 metres in a breathless 20 minutes, the funicular departs from Innsbruck’s city centre and glides over a river before racing up the mountain at angles of up to 46 degrees.

43-0-512-293344, nordpark.com

Deer Crest, Utah

St. Regis Deer Crest Resort

Ninety seconds is all it takes to zip 15 passengers up 152 metres in North America’s first ski resort funicular. The Swiss-made heated cabins offer UVA- and UVB-protected panoramic views of aspen-covered slopes, shuttling skiers on leather seats between the base of the mountain and the hotel.  

435-940-5700, stregis/deercrest

Aosta Valley, Italy

Monterosa Ski

As you travel at a warp speed of eight metres per second, this resort’s cable car staff will ensure you don’t spill your caffè alla valdostana (coffee laced with grappa and lemon rind). After dark, it’s a romantic ride from Frachey to Alpe Ciarcerio with the twinkling towns below.  

39-0-125-303111, monterosa-ski.com

Broken River, New Zealand

Broken River Ski Club

Why walk when you can ride? The Tyndall Tramway transports skiers to an altitude of 1,340 metres from the car park through the snow-covered trees. The speedy trek takes just four minutes, replacing the more traditional means of getting to and fro: a 15-minute hike.  

64-3-318-8713, brokenriver.co.nz

Photo credits: Roland Halbe (Nord Kettenbahnen); Monterosa Ski (St. Regis Deer Crest Resort); Claire Newell (Broken River Ski Club)