Rafting in Passy on the Arve River

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.

If the idea of hurtling down a river in an inflatable boat might seem a little too adventurous or even a bit risky to you, then you should know that rafting is a harmless and enjoyable activity, if you follow the safety guidelines and your guide's directions.

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 Passy.

Rafting guides in Passy

Rafting on the Arve with an experienced guide is a sensational and safe way of spending an unforgettable day in Passy.

Most people that go rafting in tour groups are completely inexperienced or have very little experience and they always feel happy about their first rafting adventure.

Therefore,  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 Passy, an experienced guide will be there to navigate the boat and tell you when to paddle to get through the rapids. 

Session Raft is the first base of whitewater sports and outdoor activities in the Mont-Blanc region.

They offer qualified and skilled guides who will make sure your group or family will have an amazing time while rafting in Passy.

Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River

Rafting in Passy

Course 
  • Rafting on the Arve river, 8 km from Passy to Sallanches. 
  • 6 medium rapids with wide water movements, ideal for discovering and hiking in the river.
Duration
  • 2h - 2h 30m, including 1h 15m - 1h 30m on the river.
Difficulty
  • Class II, Novice level: straightforward rapids with some obstacles that might require handling but are easy to avoid.
Meeting place
  • Session Raft Passy base, 200 m from the 21st exit of the A40 highway.
For
  • groups;
  • families;
  • children > 7 years old.
Materials provided
  • full suit;
  • neoprene booties;
  • vest;
  • helmet.
Materials you need to bring
  • swimsuit;
  • towel;
  • glasses clip.
Content of the session
  • Welcome to our Passy base where the first part of the session will be devoted to equipment.
  • Then we take care of transporting you to the start of the river, 300 meters from our premises.
  • After a complete briefing (safety and navigation instructions), you will leave for 1h - 1h 15m of navigation with a qualified guide.
  • On the program: discovery of the natural environment and the first sensations in white water.
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River
Rafting in Passy on the Arve River

The rafts

Today's rafts are a great combination of cutting-edge materials, such as Hypalon, neoprene and denier nylon, and state-of-the-art design, which takes into account water dynamics, manoeuvrability and safety.

The size of the boats varies 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 on the Arve river is an excellent summer activity when in Passy, as every family member can participate.

Most people who go rafting in tour groups in Passy do not have much experience. Regardless, everyone manages just fine and they all seem to enjoy their first rafting trip.

As a general rule, if you follow the safety guidelines and the guide's directions, you will totally love rafting on the Arve in Passy.

Moreover, rafting is a family-friendly activity and children are allowed to take part in it. 

Age restrictions for children differ from company to company and they start from at least 3 years old.

The age restrictions for rafting is dependent on weather conditions and river characteristics.

Consequently, it is highly recommended to inquire about the age limit prior to your tour.

Generally, children older than 7 can participate in rafting on the Arve river in Passy.

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).