Roberto Rivola

Swiss Athletics Instructor for Mountain and Trail Running

I grew up in the Swiss canton of Ticino and have spent my professional life in various regions of Switzerland. I settled in the Engadine area in 2013. This is where I find inspiration, live my passion for nature, and apply my communications and language skills.

For years I have been constantly exploring the world by running mountain, desert and stage races. Preparing and training in the Engadine area is ideal, as I benefit from the altitude and the countless trails. Whilst Val Poschiavo and Val Bregaglia are some of my favorite places, I know almost every trail in the region and communicate with my guests in English, German, Italian or French.

I have many years of experience as a mountain and desert ultrarunner. So far, I have completed ten stage runs of up to 250 km in various deserts (Sahara, Gobi, Atacama, Namibia) and in rough terrain as well (Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Iceland).

The Engadine mountains are my home, and a great place to run. In mountain running competitions of up to 170 km, including Swissalpine, Irontrail and Swisspeaks among others, I’ve often ended with podium finishes in my age group.

I enjoy sharing the amazing Swiss Alps scenery with my guests, introducing them to the best trails, and providing them with some advice about running in the mountains — and in the deserts as well — if they want it!