About Rafting
Rafting or white water rafting are outdoor leisure activities where one uses an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water.
The idea of hurtling down a river in an inflatable boat might seem too adventurous and even a bit risky, but this is not the case with most rivers.
On the contrary, if you follow the safety guidelines and the directions provided by your local guide, rafting will likely become the favourite family summer activity in Chamonix.
While rafting originated at the beginning of the 19th century when scientists started using rafts for research trips, it was not until the 1940s that rafts became popular among the general population.
Nowadays, the popularity of rafting has increased and rafting on the Arve river is one of the summer activities to look forward to while in Chamonix.
Rafting guides in Chamonix
Rafting with an experienced guide is an exciting and safe way of spending a memorable day in Chamonix.
Most people have little to no experience when rafting in tour groups and they enjoy themselves and almost always come back for more.
Thus, there is no reason to panic if you find yourself on a boat with people who do not have much experience.
When tour rafting in Chamonix, an experienced guide will be there to navigate the boat and tell you when to paddle to get through the rapids.
Session Raft Chamonix is the first base of whitewater sports and outdoor activities in the Mont-Blanc region.
They offer competent and experienced guides who will take care of the entire group or family.
Rafting in Chamonix
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The rafts
Nowadays rafts are made of state-of-the-art materials.
Today's white water rafts are an exquisite combination of state-of-the-art materials, such as Hypalon, neoprene and denier nylon, and modern design, which takes into consideration water dynamics, manoeuvrability and safety.
The size of the boats ranges from single person models up to 12 people rafts.
However, most rafts carry between 6 to 8 paddlers, with a guide sitting in the back.
Who can go rafting?
White water rafting is an ideal summer activity when in Chamonix, as nearly all family members can participate.
When in Chamonix during summer, rafting on the Arve river is one of the preferred activities for the whole family.
Firstly, most people who go rafting in tour groups in Chamonix do not have much experience.
As a general rule, if you follow the safety guidelines and the guide's directions, you should have a blast when rafting in Chamonix.
Moreover, children can participate in rafting. However, it is mandatory to inquire about this prior to your tour, as different companies have different age limits for children, starting from at least 3, 5, 7 or 10 years old.
The age restrictions for rafting is dependent on weather conditions and river characteristics.
Generally, children older than 10 can participate in rafting on the Arve river in Chamonix.
The Arve river was classified as a class II (Novice level: straightforward rapids with some obstacles that might require handling but are easy to avoid) with some class III passages (Intermediate level: Rapids with moderate and irregular waves which are not easy to avoid).
