When The Snow Melts…Ride The Water

Missing the buzz you get from tearing down a snow-covered mountain? The fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow melts – just ride the water instead! The newly defrosted rivers gushing down the mountain create waves, rapids and drops. It’s the equivalent of a watery snow park.

White water rafting is the most well-known way to ride the water – but have you tried hydrospeeding, canoe rafting, airboating or even canyoning?

 

Hydrospeed (or Riverboarding)

There’s no protection of a boat here – you’re right in there riding the current on a float – bodyboarding, almost surfing! Get your fins on and try to steer away from the rocks.

 

Canoe Raft

Here it’s just you and your partner – no hiding behind a team of 8 in this canoe! It’s up to you to pull together to get through the rapids, with a guide in their own canoe nearby.

 

Airboat

This time you’re on your own – kayaking solo down the Isere river. You vs Rapids.

 

Canyoning

Canyons are natural waterparks. Jump off cliffs, slide over rocks and abseil down waterfalls.

 

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

It’s all about balance. You can practice on the lake in Tignes if you prefer stiller waters – paddle boarding is offered free there if you’re staying in the resort. Once you’ve got your sea legs try them out on the rapids down the mountain.

 

White Water Rafting

If you’re a team player, or you’re on a group/stag/hen holiday and want to try something memorable, give white water rafting a go. Everyone ends up in the river, and there are points along the route where you can jump in from a bridge, because that’s the fun of it!

 

Recommended Providers

Franceraft. Their base is down the river in Centron, so you’re bussed to the start of the course in Bourg Saint Maurice. This means you finish soaking wet at the centre instead of having to get a bus back to your nice dry clothes. They have a snack bar too.

Website: www.franceraft.com

H2O. Their impressive base in Peisey Vallandry has a bar, restaurant, chilled out vibe and lots of lovely seating for those waiting.

Website: en.h2o-rafting.com