Watersports Guide for Les Arcs

Canoeing / Kayaking

Kayaking 

Kayaking is a fun watersport that can be enjoyed as a team or on your own. Unlike canoeing, paddlers face forward and have a double bladed paddle. It's a versatile sport that you can enjoy on rivers, lakes and the sea. You can take your inflatable or plastic kayak and make your way down the water. Using the double bladed paddle you can control the speed, direction and enjoy the experience and wonderful views in your own time.

Canyoning

A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.

Hydro-speeding

Hydrospeeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market. A fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river using a large float, (which bears resemblance to a bodyboard), be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids. This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting, but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. It's also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. There's plenty of protection from the icy water elements as you'll be given a wetsuit, safety helmet and flippers. You will need to bring a towel, swim wear and if you wear glasses, a cord to keep them on. Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination.

Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular. Originally from Hawaii, it's a great way to enjoy the mountain scenery and get away from the summer heat, whilst not being very demanding. There are a number of watersports centres in Les Arcs offering paddleboarding.

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Rafting

White water rafting

If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! From the middle of May until September, the Dranse river flows furiously as it is fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three-hour adrenaline rush to a full day excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.