Spend a full day paddling Class II to III whitewater across the best river sections in Haute-Savoie. This private guided day is for experienced adult kayakers who want local knowledge, quality kit and a focused day on the water with a maximum of two guests.
You meet at the valley base, kit up with a whitewater kayak, paddle and safety gear, then shuttle to the put-in for the section chosen for the day's levels. Expect a proper alpine paddling day rather than a short taster.
Guided descents draw on rivers such as the Giffre, Fier, Dranse, Arve, Chéran and Borne, matching Class II to III water to the group's ability. Coaching stays close because the day is capped at two places, so you can work on lines, eddy turns and reading the current with real feedback.
Lunch is included on the river so you stay out for the stretch of the day. After the final take-out you return to base, change, and finish with a solid day of Haute-Savoie whitewater behind you.
Haute-Savoie packs a dense network of mountain rivers within easy reach of Samoëns and the Vallée du Giffre. That variety means the team can pick a section that fits the day's levels instead of forcing a single fixed run.
The Northern Alps backdrop is part of the appeal: forested gorges, open gravel beds and snowy peaks on the horizon. Geneva and Annecy sit within a realistic day-trip drive for paddlers based in the wider region.
This day is for adults with existing whitewater kayaking experience who are comfortable paddling Class II to III water. It is not suitable for complete beginners or for guests who have only paddled flat water.
You should be fit enough for a full day of paddling, happy in moving water, and able to follow guide instructions closely. Bring a swimsuit and towel; specialist kayak and safety kit are provided.
Keeping the group to two places means the guide can adapt the day to your goals and the rivers that are working. Local knowledge of Haute-Savoie's whitewater network is the point of the outing, not a one-size-fits-all itinerary.
Quality kit, a river lunch and a shuttle to the put-in keep the focus on paddling. You arrive ready to boat; the team handles the logistics around the chosen section.
Arrive at the base near Samoëns, meet your guide and check kit. After a short briefing on the plan for the day and current river levels, you load boats and board the shuttle toward the chosen put-in.
Paddle Class II to III whitewater on one of Haute-Savoie's best sections for the day, with coaching on lines and river reading. A lunch stop on the river breaks up the hours so you can stay out from morning into mid-afternoon.
Finish the descent, load boats, and transfer back to the meeting point. Change into dry clothes and wrap up a demanding alpine kayaking day with time still left in the evening if you are staying in the valley.
Meet at 1200 Route de Vallon d'en Haut, 74340 Samoëns. Allow time to park, check in and change into river kit before the shuttle leaves for the put-in.
You organise your own travel to the meeting point. Once on site, the team provides the shuttle to the top of the chosen river section and the return to base after the paddle.
Yes. This day is for adults who already paddle whitewater and want a guided descent on Class II to III alpine rivers with local coaching.
If you are brand new to kayaking or have only paddled flat water, this is not the right product. Ask the team about beginner-friendly options before you book so you end up on a day that matches your skills.
Expect a full day on the water, typically paddling from around 9:00 to 16:00 with a lunch stop on the river built into the schedule.
Exact timing depends on the chosen section, water levels and how the group is moving. Allow a full day in the valley rather than trying to squeeze other plans around the paddle.
Participants must be 18 or over. The day is aimed at experienced adults, not mixed family groups or juniors joining a technical whitewater session.
If you are booking for two people, both need to meet the experience and age requirements so the guide can keep the pace consistent and safe for everyone on the water.
Places are capped at two participants per private descent so coaching stays personal and the day can adapt to your goals and the rivers that are working.
Solo bookings are welcome when availability allows. Check live slots for your preferred date, and talk to the team if you want to paddle as a pair with a specific focus.
A whitewater kayak, paddle and safety kit are provided for the day. Bring a swimsuit, towel and any personal layers you like under or over the kit.
You only need to get yourself to the meeting point. Once you are ready, the team handles the shuttle to the put-in and the return transfer after the final take-out.
Meet at 1200 Route de Vallon d'en Haut, 74340 Samoëns. Park nearby, check in, and kit up before the shuttle to the chosen put-in for the day.
Transport to the meeting point is your responsibility. After the river, you return to the same base so you only need one arrival and departure point in the valley.
Guides pick from the best Class II to III sections in Haute-Savoie on the day, including rivers such as the Giffre, Arve, Dranse, Fier, Borne and others nearby.
The choice depends on levels, weather and what will give you the best paddling. You will hear the plan when you meet the team so you know what to expect before you leave base.
Yes. A lunch stop on the river is part of the day so you can refuel without leaving the valley or cutting the paddle short.
If you have dietary needs or allergies, mention them when you book so the team can plan the riverside stop accordingly and keep the day comfortable.
This product typically runs from May to September while alpine whitewater conditions suit guided Class II to III paddling across the Haute-Savoie network.
Shoulder-season days can still feel cool beside the river, so pack a warm layer for before and after the session even if the forecast looks bright.
River levels and weather shape which section runs. The team will only commit you to water that matches the day and the group's ability.
If conditions are not suitable, the team will be in touch about rearranging. Wait for confirmation before travelling so you are not caught out by a last-minute change of plan.
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About the centre
Samoëns
Nestled in the Vallée du Giffre in Haute-Savoie, this multi-activity base brings together whitewater adventures and wellbeing on the rivers and trails around Samoëns, Morillon, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Days on the water range from scenic family-friendly rafting descents of the Giffre to private guided kayaking on the best Class II–III sections nearby, with seasonal yoga completing the offering.
The team is made up of nature and mountain enthusiasts who share local knowledge of the valley’s biodiversity alongside clear safety briefings and quality kit. Meeting points are confirmed per activity, with shuttle support on river days from the base toward put-ins such as Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, so guests can focus on the experience rather than logistics.
Operated by Zen River Camp, a partner of adventuro.
Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
From £200
