Lago di Tom

Lago di Tom is a small alpine lake in the Piora Valley above Piotta, in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It sits at roughly 2,020 m above sea level, covers about 13 hectares and belongs to the chain of high-mountain lakes of the Ritom–Piora region in the Leventina valley.

Where is Lago di Tom?

The lake lies north of Piotta, in the municipality of Quinto, in the high Piora basin. It is a separate body of water from nearby Lago Ritom, which is much larger and dammed. Tom is the smaller lake, set higher up and reached by a short climb on foot.

How do you get to Lago di Tom?

Most visitors start in Piotta, where a funicular climbs towards Lago Ritom. From the upper station it is about 20 minutes on foot to the Ritom shore, and the trail then rises to Lago di Tom. The Ritom area can also be reached by road from Altanca. The final stretch is uphill, so wear proper hiking footwear.

What can you see there?

Lago di Tom rewards walkers who prefer a quieter spot. The lake sits in a hollow among alpine meadows and rock, with views over the Piora valley and surrounding ridges. Several other lakes lie close by, including Cadagno, the Taneda lakes, Lago della Miniera and Lago di Dentro. Lago Cadagno is known for layers of water that do not mix, and scientists have studied it since 1903.

How can you fit it into a hike?

Two routes are common:

• Three lakes: Ritom, Lago di Tom and Lago di Cadagno, around 12 km and four and a half hours of walking.
• Full circuit from Ritom: via Cadagno, Lago di Dentro, Lago della Miniera, the Capanna Cadlimo hut and the Taneda lakes back to Ritom. It is a mountain trail and needs good fitness.

Capanna Cadagno stands along the way, and Capanna Cadlimo (run by the SAC Uto section) is staffed from late June to mid-October.

When should you go?

Trails in Piora are best from June to September. Outside that window snow patches can linger, and weather at altitude changes quickly. For longer routes carry warm layers, water and an up-to-date map.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lago di Tom the same as Lago Ritom? No. Ritom is the larger reservoir lake nearby. Lago di Tom is a separate, smaller lake higher up.

How big is Lago di Tom? About 13 ha, at roughly 2,020 m above sea level.

Can you reach the lake by funicular? The funicular from Piotta takes you to the Lago Ritom area. From there you walk uphill on a trail to Lago di Tom.

Is the walk suitable for families? The stroll to Ritom is easy, but the section to Lago di Tom is a mountain-trail climb. The full multi-lake circuit demands good fitness.