Ritom funicular, Funicular in Piotta, Ticino, Switzerland

The Ritom funicular is a metre-gauge funicular linking Piotta, near the Gotthard Tunnel's southern portal, with Stazione Piora below Lago Ritóm. Its 1,369 m line runs parallel to the Ritom power station's pressure pipeline and reaches a maximum gradient of 87.8%; the 12-minute ride also serves an intermediate stop at Altanca.

The funicular was built by the SBB in 1917 to help construct the pipeline of the Ritom power station, which supplied electricity for the Gotthard railway; it runs parallel to that pipe. It opened to the public in 1921. The line was extensively rebuilt in 1977/78, and the original car was replaced in 1985.

The funicular is listed as a cultural asset of regional importance in Ticino. Its Italian name, Funicolare del Ritom, is used locally, and the line has linked Piotta with the Piora area since 1921, serving hikers heading toward Lago Ritóm and the reservoir above.

The line is 1369 m long, climbs at up to 87.8% and takes 12 minutes from Piotta to Stazione Piora. There is an intermediate stop at Altanca, and the upper station lies about a 1 km walk from Lago Ritóm. A parallel staircase beside the track has 4261 steps.

The car replaced in 1985 is displayed at the lower station; it is not the 1921 original. The line was rebuilt in 1977/78, and until the Gelmerbahn opened it was Switzerland's steepest funicular. The haul rope runs beside the track back down to the valley for drive.