Watersports Guide for Alpe d'Huez

Canoeing / Kayaking

In the Ecrins National Park, there are several rivers you can descend on a kayak or canoe, including the Vénéon, the Rive, the Eau d'Olle or the Romanche, offering different levels for diverse experiences.

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 riverbed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over 8 years old can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning.

Hydro-speeding

Hydro speeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market. It's 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 whitewater 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. In Alpe d'Huez, you can descend the Veneon river near Venosc on a board wearing a thick neoprene and fins.

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! There are some trained guides in the resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the Vénéon river flows furiously as they are fed from the meltwaters running off the glaciers high above the town. 

There are various options available from a three-hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.