Europe offers a wide range of climbs ideal for roller skiing, from quiet forest roads to high mountain passes. While local spots have their charm, few can rival the grandeur of the Italian giants, where roller skiing is rewarded with breathtaking views from Alpine summits.

Italy attracts tourists not just to the sea but also to the breathtaking Alpine scenery. It’s a country that offers excellent food, coffee, stylish and affordable accommodation, and is relatively easily accessible from Central Europe. Set out to explore the beautiful surroundings of Livigno and Bormio — on roller skis.

Passo Eira (Length: 6km / Elevation gain: 370m)

If you’re not content skiing the flat bike path along the stream in Livigno, you can tackle this easy climb to the nearest hill toward Bormio on roller skis.

You start at the roundabout closest to the town, which can be reached via the bike path. The road surface is average for the first kilometer but improves afterward. This is the most frequently used road into and out of town, so stay alert, but the road is wide enough.

The gradient is gentle, around 5%, often just enough to double-pole. It’s a short climb that can be done in under 40 minutes. At the top, you can take a 2km hike along the ridge to the north among crosses, with stunning views — the Bernina massif, Pizzo Tresero, and more.

Passo Forcola – 2,315m (10km / 450m)

From the edge of Livigno, there’s a short, moderate climb to Forcola. The first 3km can be roller-skied on a parallel bike path, but connecting back to the main road is a bit tricky, so it’s better to stay on the road.

The surface is very smooth, which can cause poles to slip. For a safer descent, turn back at kilometer 5.

The road is broad, but it experiences bursts of heavy traffic. Occasionally, cows cross the road. In the upper third of the climb, there are four short tunnels with rough asphalt inside. You might even spot marmots on the hillside.

The gradient remains gentle, up to 6%. Watching roller skiers fly down the hill at 50km/h is impressive. At the pass summit, there are two restaurants and a border checkpoint.

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Passo del Mortirolo (14km / 1,180m)

This climb, feared by cyclists, is best started from Grosio, under the bypass bridge, where you can also park. It begins with unrelenting, constant climbing that burns the legs.

Mortirolo (1,852m) isn’t particularly scenic or historically notable — mostly forested with nearly 40 switchbacks and rough road surfaces in places.

There’s minimal traffic from Grosio, and the road offers few views or landmarks. The average gradient is just under 10%, with segments reaching up to 14–16%, typically marked by small signs every kilometer.

The most challenging part comes halfway through the village of Mazzo. The rest is no easier. A continuous roller ski ascent is quite demanding, so pace yourself. Climb smart and take short rests when the gradient eases to 10%. This climb is as mental as physical — if you’re not committed to finishing, it’s better not to try. You can always walk, but it will hurt your stats. It is doable, so give it a go!

At the top, you’ll find a new stone marker and a small hut with a toilet and sink.

Passo Gavia – 2,652m (16.5km / 1,250m)

Start from the sign marking the end of Ponte di Legno and gently follow the valley upstream alongside a river, on good asphalt, to S. Apollonia — from there, the real climb begins.

Once you enter the larch forest, the constant 14% incline kicks in. There are no flat sections to rest, so you can’t really improve your average speed later.

Be cautious of cars coming from both directions — the road narrows to just 2.5 meters. That doesn’t stop aggressive drivers from passing in blind curves. Sometimes, even cars can’t pass each other without coming to a stop.

The road condition worsens as you go higher, with more cracks. There’s also an unlit tunnel, and above it, a terrifying sight: the serpentine road winding steeply toward the summit — 3km still to go.

The road quality at the top is poor, with numerous potholes that are rarely patched. However, the reward is worth it: breathtaking views of 3,500-meter peaks and the satisfaction of completing a challenging yet physically manageable climb.

Passo Stelvio (24km / 1,800m)

The most challenging route to the most famous Alpine pass begins from the east, in Prato allo Stelvio.

After a mild first kilometer, you reach a large intersection at 5km and enter a narrow valley upstream. At 10km, you pass the village of Trafoi with its small church and a striking view of the 4,000-meter Ortler massif towering above.

Then the endless switchbacks begin, and the gradient rises to 12%. Around kilometer 13, you enter a forest, and a view opens that no one wants to see: the Stelvio summit above, with its endless series of serpentine bends.

The only upside is that traffic decreases significantly in the evening.

This article was updated. It was originally published on bezky.net in August 2019.

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