Val Piora lakes route

The most fascinating and at the same time practical way to reach the Val Piora lakes is to start from Piotta using the famous and characteristic red Ritom funicular, the starting and finishing point of this unmissable circular path. Its maximum slope of 87.8% makes it one of the steepest in the world. Upon reaching the Piora station, you immediately immerse yourself in one of the most enchanting and pristine landscapes of Ticino, where you can admire the paradise of alpine lakes. Starting from the Piora station, you immediately climb a path that leads up to 2208 m at Pizzo Föisc. There, a well-deserved break awaits you at the Föisc refuge. Then you continue downhill and after passing the Föisc saddle, you arrive at Lake Ritom: the largest mountain reservoir in the Canton. Its waters are used to produce hydroelectric energy. Following the left shore of the lake, in the direction of travel, you advance to the turnoff for Lake Tom, which after a short uphill stretch, is reached at 2022 m. You continue towards Lake Cadagno and cross the Alpe di Piora: the largest alpine pasture in Ticino, as well as a landscape protection area. So why not take advantage, a short distance away, of a break at the renovated Cadagno Hut where you can enjoy a wide selection of local products? After the well-deserved rest, you return towards Piora using the left shore path; at the fork to Fontanella descend towards Lake Ritom and continue along the educational path to the dam.