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Join a guided raft for a lively run down the Giffre River between Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Samoëns. Expect narrow alpine gorges, straightforward Class 3 water, and mountain scenery that makes this Haute-Savoie classic a favourite for first-timers and families alike.
You meet at the base near Morillon, kit up with wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet, then take a short shuttle up-valley to the put-in at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Guides run through paddle commands and safety before you push off onto the glacier-fed Giffre.
The roughly 7 km descent winds through scenic mountain scenery and narrow gorge sections with playful Class 3 rapids. The pace suits novices and sports enthusiasts, with clear coaching from the guide at the back of the raft so everyone can enjoy the splash without needing prior experience.
You take out just after Samoëns and return to base by vehicle for a quick change into dry clothes. The whole outing sits neatly in a half-day window, leaving time to explore the valley afterwards.
The Vallée du Giffre sits in the Northern Alps of Haute-Savoie, framed by the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval and quiet alpine villages. The river runs through Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, so every bend brings a fresh view of forested slopes and rock walls.
Meeting at the valley base keeps logistics simple: you only need to reach the centre once, then the team handles the shuttle to the put-in and the short transfer back after take-out. Geneva and Annecy are within easy driving distance for a day trip into the mountains.
No previous rafting experience is required. You should be comfortable around water, happy to paddle as part of a team, and ready for a physically active but approachable session. Children from age 6 are welcome when accompanied appropriately for the group.
Bring a swimsuit to wear under the kit, a towel, a full change of dry clothes, and footwear that can get wet. The team supplies the specialist safety equipment for the river.
Guides know this stretch of the Giffre season by season and pick lines that keep the day fun for mixed groups. Safety briefings are clear, kit is provided, and the shuttle from base means you are not juggling multiple meeting points across the valley.
The focus stays on a welcoming alpine river experience: scenic gorges, genuine whitewater, and a pace that works for families and first-timers as well as guests who simply want a lively half-day on the water.
Arrive at the base near Morillon, meet your guide, and change into wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. After a clear safety briefing and a quick run-through of paddle commands, you board the shuttle for the short drive up the valley to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
A roughly 15-minute transfer takes you to the put-in. Use the journey to settle nerves, ask last questions, and enjoy the first views of the upper Giffre valley before you reach the riverbank.
Launch onto the Giffre for about 1 to 1.5 hours on the water. The roughly 7 km run towards Samoëns weaves through narrow gorges and Class 3 rapids with alpine scenery all around. Your guide steers from the stern while you paddle as a team through the lively sections.
Leave the river just after Samoëns and hop back into the vehicle for the short drive to base. Change into dry clothes, warm up, and head off with a classic Haute-Savoie river day behind you.
Meet at the activity base at 1200 Route de Vallon d'en Haut, 74340 Samoëns (near Morillon). Allow time to park, check in, and change into river kit before the shuttle leaves for Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The put-in is reached by a short vehicle transfer from base. After the descent you take out just after Samoëns and return to base by vehicle. Exact start times are confirmed with your booking details.
No. This descent is aimed at beginners, families and anyone new to whitewater who wants a scenic alpine run with clear guidance.
Your guide covers paddle commands and safety before you launch, then coaches from the back of the raft so you can settle into the rhythm of the river.
Plan for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes of activity in total, with about 1 to 1.5 hours on the water depending on levels and group pace.
That includes kit-up, the shuttle to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the river descent, and the short return to base after take-out.
Children from 6 years old can join when the trip is suitable for the group on the day.
Younger guests paddle as part of the raft team with adult supervision. If you are unsure whether the session is right for your child, ask the team before you book.
Each raft carries between 2 and 7 participants plus the guide.
Smaller parties may share a raft with other guests so the boat is balanced and the day can run. Private raft arrangements depend on availability.
Pack a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes for afterwards, and shoes that can get wet. Leave valuables somewhere safe or ask about storage at base.
Specialist river kit is provided. A warm layer for after the session is useful even in summer, as alpine valleys can feel cool once you are off the water.
Everyone meets at the base on Route de Vallon d'en Haut near Morillon and Samoëns. You change into kit there before a short drive to the put-in at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
After take-out just beyond Samoëns, the team transfers you back to base so you only need to organise one arrival and departure point.
Yes. The Giffre stretch used for this tour is classed as easy Class 3 water and is popular with novices as well as guests who simply want a fun half-day outdoors.
Guides adjust the pace to the group and conditions. You still get genuine whitewater and gorge scenery without needing prior skills.
Alpine rivers rise and fall with melt and rainfall. The team monitors conditions so the session only runs when the water is appropriate for this trip.
If levels are not right, the team will be in touch about rearranging. Do not travel until you have confirmed details for your date.
This rafting descent typically runs from April to October while the Giffre is flowing for the activity.
Early and late season days can feel cooler, so bring an extra warm layer for before and after the river.
Phones and cameras are best left secure at base unless you have a waterproof housing you are happy to risk in rapids.
Keep your hands free for paddling and hold onto the raft when the guide asks. Ask the team on arrival if they can recommend a good spot for a group photo after the run.
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.
