The Cardada-Cimetta cable car system rises from Orselina (just above Madonna del Sasso) to 1,340 metres at Cardada, then continues by chairlift to the Cimetta summit at 1,672 metres. On a clear day the view from the top is extraordinary: Lake Maggiore below, the Lago di Lugano to the south, and the main chain of the Swiss Alps to the north stretching across the horizon.
Cardada itself has walking trails, a lookout platform engineered by the sculptor Richard Serra, and a mountain restaurant. Cimetta is the more demanding option and rewards it — there are hiking trails continuing to higher peaks, and in winter the slopes attract skiers and sledders from Locarno and Ascona below. The full journey from Locarno to Cimetta summit (funicular + cable car + chairlift) takes under 45 minutes each way.