If you are in the Portes du Soleil area this summer and you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, you should most definitely try out White Water Rafting. This alpine summer activity is one of my favourites and is a great way to see more of the mountains and the valleys rather than the more traditional ways of hiking and biking. I spoke with Nat from Frogs Rafting in Morzine to see what you can expect when you book one of their many excursions during your summer holiday in Morzine.
The trip that Frogs Rafting offer that excited me the most was the Pro Trip.This is the longest and most testing route down the Dranse River in the Haute Savoie region of France. Here is what you can expect should you choose to run the rapids of the River Dranse on your Morzine summer activity holiday….
Starting as high up the river as possible at Pont Romain, (just under the EDF hydro-electric power station which is responsible for the daily release of water down the Dranse River from the reservoir at Le Jotty) rafters spend half an hour getting their paddling up to scratch and having a dunk to get them over the fear of falling out….when you’ve been in the river once, it’s less scary to fall in again.
Crews help the guides pull the boats out of the river before a dangerous syphon (where the whole river goes under some rocks) and are then transported 500 metres downstream and put in again just above La Pissette, a grade IV rapid, for which the previous 30 minute practice targeted.
La Pissette is a 2 metre rock in the middle of the river which requires a guide’s technical expertise as should guests fall out there is a syphon at the bottom – this is why they want everyone having a clear head and confidence in water (if you panic when you fall in it means you are less likely to listen to instructions).
When the rapid’s are completed, you continue with a pretty float down through the beautiful rock formations of the Dranse, before braving a 6m (optional) jump into the water. The rest of the trip is Grade III rapids which allow the guides to take a bouncy or a calm line, depending on their crews.
Crews are on the river for about 2hrs 30mins after being kitted out at the base with full wetsuits, boots, life jackets and helmets. They receive a full safety briefing on the river – it’s essential for anyone taking part that they’re confident in water. At the end of the trip you can walk across the road back to the base for a picnic in the garden, or to warm up by the fire (great in spring time when the water’s high and snow melt). Best time to do the Pro Trip is early in the season while the snow’s melting. Later in the season it’s difficult as there dam is open for shorter hours.
The cost of the pro trip is €60 per person and is only for over 16’s. Crews spend 2hrs 30mins on the river giving a total excursion time of 3hrs 30mins from arrival at the base to departure.
Luxury Summer Chalets in Morzine
If you are looking for a luxury summer chalet holiday in Morzine, we offer a whole range of properties from self-catered chalets to catered chalets.
One of our favourites is the Chalet Joux Plane. This modern chalet is perfect for families and groups of friends looking to spend their summer holiday in Morzine. Joux Plane can comfortably accommodate up to 10 adults and 4 children across 5 luxurious bedrooms. To get ready for the rafting why not build your own inflatable raft and try it out in the impressive 23 metre indoor/outdoor pool?!
A massive thanks to Nat and the Frogs Rafting team for sharing their insight on the rafting down the Dranse and how to make the most out of your summer holiday in Morzine.
If you would like more information on the rafting itineraries or how to maximise your summer holiday in Morzine please feel free to get in touch either by sending us an email or giving us a call on +44 1202 203659.
