Watersports in Tignes — 3 of Our Favourites

Venturing down a river on a raft does not require any particular technical skills, nor do you have to be extremely fit. However, you do have to be in good health, know how to swim, and not be afraid of going under water.

Rafting involves, above all, a team spirit - the fearless in front, the more relaxed in the middle and the more technically able at the back. Rafting allows each person to experience an adrenaline rush as they glide down the rapids, while at the same time discovering some amazing scenery.

There are introductory rafting sessions (on a grade three river) and more difficult sessions for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Their excursions take place on the Haute Isere river, which is easily accessible from Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val d'Isere resorts, and the Doron de Bozel, which can be easily reached from the 3 Valleys resorts.

Half day excursions

• rafting course for children - from Bourg-Saint Maurice to Gothard - eight years and above.
• two descents on the Doron of Bozel - one of the fastest rivers in the Northern Alps, the course is 6 km long, takes about 1h15 to paddle down with quick sequences, tight bends, small jumps, navigation under tree cover, all leaving you with some unforgettable memories - 12yrs and above. The river is at the base of the 3 Valleys so is ideal for people on holiday in the the areas of Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens.
• Bourg-Saint Maurice to Centron - a demanding expedition down the magnificent Haute Isere river covering 18 km in all for 2h15 non-stop paddling. First of all, you glide down the easier section of the course Bourg-Saint-Maurice/Bellentre, giving you a gentle introduction to the techniques and sensations of rafting. You then move on to a more demanding section of the Isere river with the famous rapids of Aime and then the magnificent canyon of Centron. The minimum age limit for this descent is 12 years old. The river is ideally located for those on holiday in the Haute Tarentaise resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d'Isere.

Full day excursions

• On the full day excursion, you will get to experience both rivers as described above with lunch on the riverbank.

The Haute Isère river is certainly the most interesting site in France to raft. The geography provides a discovery of the sport for younger children but equally narrower passages, rapids and gorges offer something additional for the more adventurous.

Choose from the following options

Family Green
A shorter descent of approx. 14km suitable for children from the age of 8 years old. There are sections of rapids and passages with a classification of II and III. The session is guided by fully qualified guides who provide a fun, educational and safe environment. In turn, your child will learn swimming techniques in the river, discover slides and how to rescue those that have fallen overboard.

Initiation Blue
A 20km rafting descent along one of the most impressive routes in France. A 2h30min varied descent, through passages, gorges and rapids, as well as many fun obstacles. The guides will create many obstacles for you during the descent, such as jumps, swimming tests, race between rafts and 100% fun! The descent is shared with a group of 8 people per boat. Suitable from the age of 12years+, no previous rafting experience required.

Sporty Red
This option is for those that have previous rafting experience and follows the same route as the option above with more challenges along the way. The descent is shared with a group of 6 people per boat and is suitable from the age of 14years+.

You must be able to swim in order to take part in these activities.

Rafting, hydrospeed, canoe rafting, and Airboat on the Isere and the Doron de Bozel, two magnificent rivers in the Alps. Canyoning in the gorges of the Tarentaise in the Savoie and the Haute Savoie near Lake Annecy.

They can also organise a variety of mountain sports: mountain biking, paragliding, Via Ferrata and adventure assault Course.