By train

Take the train to Ambrì-Piotta, and from there head to the lower station of the Ritom cable car, one of the steepest cable car in Europe with a gradient of almost 90%.

The cable car takes you to Piora station, from where a well-signposted path leads to the Capanna Cadagno in about 1½ hours. 

By car

How to get to the car park – and why it’s worth leaving your car there and taking the funicular

The valley station of the Cable car Ritom it is located in Piotta, in the Leventina Valley. The car park is situated right next to the cable car and is easily accessible from all directions.

Arriving from different directions

➡️ From the north (Zurich / Lucerne / north side of the Gotthard):

Follow the A2 motorway southbound to the Airolo exit. From there, drive downhill for a few minutes towards Piotta/Ambri. The Ritom cable car station is clearly signposted.

⬅️ From the south (Lugano / Bellinzona):

Take the Quinto exit on the A2, then continue along the main road towards Ambri–Piotta. Just before Piotta, you’ll see signs for the Ritom cable car and the car park.

⬆️ From the Bedretto Valley

Head towards Airolo and then continue towards Piotta. Follow the signs for the Ritom cable car to reach the car park.

Why park there and take the Ritom cable car?

• Convenient and stress-free: the road leading to Lake Ritom is narrow and not suited to heavy traffic. The funicular takes you to the top with ease.
• A unique experience: the Ritom cable car is one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe – the climb itself is part of the adventure!
• Respect for nature: leaving your car in the valley helps to protect the environment of the Ritom plateau.
• Direct access to the trails: once at the top, you can set off straight away on hikes to Lake Ritom, Lake Cadagno or the enchanting Alpe Piora.

On foot

From the top station of the cable car Ritom you can reach the hut by choosing from:

• The path along the northern shore of Lake Ritom (easy, approx. 1½ hours) [sac-cas.ch]

• The path along the south bank (Sentierom di Datico), which is a little longer and quieter, but just as well signposted [bergfex]

Alternatively, you can reach the Capanna Cadagno from the Lucomagno Pass in around 2½ hours.

By bike

Val Piora is very popular with cyclists:

From Piora, a dirt track runs alongside Lake Ritom, passes through Alpe Piora and leads straight to the mountain hut.

The route is frequently used by cyclists.

Ritom.ch