Water Sports
Ride the rapids, cut through the canyon, and speed through the glacial surf with one of our unforgettable water adventures.
White Water Rafting
Don't leave the valley without experiencing nature's own roller coaster, white water rafting.
Whether this is your first time and you're looking to try out some baby rapids, or you are an experienced rafter in search of some more hardcore rapids, you can expect to finish this trip on a high.
Our experienced and fully qualified raft guides will tell you when to paddle hard – and when to steel yourself for the big drop. Expect an exciting, heart-pumping roller coaster of a ride.
We offer Discovery trips, aimed at beginners on grade II rapids as well as Action trips for the more adventurous, which can incorporate III to IV grade rapids.
Discovery (Grade II/III): suitable for beginners and families
Takes place either here in Chamonix or just down the road in Passy. The Chamonix experience is suitable for anyone over 10 years old. The trip lasts 45 minutes and you can walk to the starting point, you'll be brought back from the finishing point in a minibus. The Passy experience is a longer trip of 1 hour and 15 minutes but is a little calmer and can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 7. You willl need to make your own way to Passy and back (about 20 minute drive each way).
Action (Grade III/IV): suitable for experienced rafters
You'll be taken to the magnificent Dorea Balta river in Italy for either a full day or half day trip. This is a wilder rapid, suitable only for strong swimmers of over 15 years. Transport is included, so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the ride!
Book now or contact us to find out more
Handy hints from Mountain Base
- For trips of IV you must be a good swimmer.
- Bring a towel and a warm jumper for the end. It will ensure you enjoy that post raft beer or hot chocolate even more.
Hydrospeed
Surfing is not something you'd typically think of in relation to Chamonix but riding the glacial waters on a big float comes pretty close.
Wearing flippers to help you steer a swathe through the water, you’ll shoot through the white water, whizz round the whirlpools and ride the rapids like a pro surfer.
Get ready to channel your inner James Bond on this life affirming adventure.
Book now or contact us to find out more
Handy hints from Mountain Base
• Wet suits and safety equipment are provided
• Wear your own swimwear
• No previous experience required although you will need to be a strong swimmer.
• Afternoon sessions only
Canyoning
Get ready to enter the abyss. Well, OK, the canyon but this experience can make it seem just like you're entering terrain where no man, woman or child has journeyed before.
Don't worry if you've never done it before, we have Discovery trips for beginners where you can opt out of some of the higher jumps if you prefer. Our Action trips are for those who relish the chance to experience a hair-raising water adventure. Whichever it is, you don a wetsuit and find yourself plunging into waterfalls and shooting down rocks worn smooth into natural water slides.
As the normal world carries on their day above, lead a life less ordinary as you leap into white water softened rock pools, scramble and bob your way through the stunning canyon on this "heart-in-your-mouth" adventure.
Book now or contact us to find out more
Handy hints from Mountain Base
- A head for heights would be advantageous on this trip.
- Wear swimwear, we'll provide the thermal wetsuit and shoes.
- You may wear a wetsuit with a hood, but it's still a good idea to bring a woolly hat to help you to warm up afterwards.
Canoe Raft & Airboat
Are you ready to be in the driving seat? Enjoy the blast of steering your own way through the white water rapids on a two-man canoe raft or single ‘airboat’.
Faster, quicker and easier to manoeuvre than a typical group raft, they put the control firmly in your hands. What could be more exhilarating than weaving, whirling and shooting your way through the glacial water rapids in one of the most stunning locations in the world!
Don't worry, we’ll provide any necessary safety tips and guidance to help you navigate the exciting class II rapids of the River Arve, which thankfully is suitable for all levels.
What level of experience do you need? None, just your spirit of adventure.
Book now or contact us to find out more
Handy hints from Mountain Base
- Wear swimwear, we’ll provide the rest of the equipment.
- Leave yourself 20 minutes for the drive to our launch site in Passy.
- No level of fitness is required. All you need to do is paddle and shift your body weight at the right moment.
- You should be able to swim for this activity