Ritter was also successful nationally in cross-country skiing. In 1962 he was champion over 50 kilometers, in 1963 he was second behind Enno Röder together with Helmut Weidlich over 15 kilometers and over 30 kilometers behind Weidlich. With the relay, which also included Klöpsch, Kluge and Riechel, he won the silver medal behind the representation from SC Dynamo Klingenthal . In 1966 he was third again over 50 kilometers and also third in the relay with Priebisch, Kluge and Dieter Speer behind the teams from Klingenthal and SC Harz .