White Water Rafting
There is excellent white water rafting near La Clusaz and Grand Bornand. Within just over an hour's drive there are a number of fantastic rivers ideal for rafting and hydro speed. Summer is the best season as all the rivers become swollen by the fast melting snow from the Alpine peaks above. There are rafting areas suitable for families and beginners as well as more extreme white water sections that will really get the adrenaline flowing.
The Giffre, fed by the snows of the Grand Massif, flows through the deep narrow Tines gorge, before widening out into the Vallon plane further downstream. Rafting runs from Sixt to Samoens and Morillion across grade 3 and sections of grade 4 rapids. You will normally be riding it out for 1 to 1.5 hours.
The Dranse, filled by melting snow in the Portes de Soleil heads through Thonon les Bains and towards Lac Leman, Geneva. It gives an action packed and technical rafting descent in places, again with mostly Grade 3 and some Grade 4 rapids during the 1.5 hour rafting trip.
Heading over towards Val d'Isere and the Savoie, the Isere is a renowned white water rafting destination, with international kayak championships held here regularly. High up in the Tarantaise valley the river is fed by the glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif, and is a stunning location for rafting. Typically rafters go 22km between Centron and Bourg St Maurice.
Alpine Thrills packages
On request, we can include a white water rafting trip within your activity package in the French Alps. While it is certainly a memorable and exhilarating experience, keep in mind that the longer travel time means it can limit the other options during the day. It can however be combined with other activities nearby, such as the adventure ropes course near Samoens, to make a full day of it.
Experience needed
None required, but you must be prepared to get wet, and potentially fall into fast moving water. You must also be able to swim.
Activity time
1.5 hour drive, 1 hour preparation and training before 'put in', 1 to 1.5 hour descent.
Fitness required
Suitable for anyone with an active lifestyle, who can swim and doesn't mind getting wet.
Equipment
We provide buoyancy aids, helmets and all other equipment. Shorts, t-shirt and bare feet, sandals or old trainers are fine, and remember you will get splashed. Bring a towel for afterwards, and a jumper.
A taster of the Rafting in Samoens:
