Hydrospeed at Les 2 Alpes

Why not try hydrospeed? Hydrospeed is a refreshing water activity that involves swimming down a river with flippers and a float. If you're a thrill-seeker, you'll become one with the river, play with the rapids and even ride the waves. Ready for some thrills? Book your hydrospeed descent, an unusual activity to enjoy in a group and with a guide during your summer holiday in Les 2 Alpes.

Two people on their hydrospeed in a mountain stream.

- © RVillalon / Shutterstock

Why try hydrospeed?

An unusual activity that's a change from rafting, hydrospeed is the most sporting white-water activity you can do in Les 2 Alpes. If you're a bit of a daredevil and above all a thrill-seeker, hydrospeed is for you. You'll have to dive headfirst into the choppy waters of the Vénéon river, with only a polystyrene float and flippers to guide you.

Hydrospeed descent

- © ArtmannWitte / Shutterstock

Who is this sport for?

Hydrospeed or white-water swimming is one of the most difficult water sports. You need to be a good swimmer (very comfortable on a 50-metre course), be able to paddle and, above all, not be afraid of immersion. You must be at least 1.50 metres tall and at least 14 years old.

What equipment do you need?

To practice hydrospeed, you need to bring :

  • your swimming costume
  • a towel
  • a goggle string if you wear one
  • sun cream

The guide who will accompany you on your activity will provide you with :

  • a reinforced neoprene wetsuit
  • a life jacket
  • a helmet
  • a hydrospeed float
  • a pair of neoprene booties
  • a pair of flippers.

And if you're wondering whether or not to take a sports camera or phone?

If you have a GoPro-type sports camera, you can attach it to your helmet to film your descent. However, make sure you have the right attachments, as the guide won't be responsible if your camera gets swept away in the current. As for your phone, even if it's waterproof or in a waterproof pouch, you'll find it very difficult to take photos during your activity. You'll really need both hands to do it safely. We advise you not to take it with you.

Where can you go hydrospeeding in Les 2 Alpes?

🪂With Intégral Rafting

Run by enthusiasts in Venosc, you can descend the Bonne, Guisane or in the gorges of the Vénéon river with a half-day outing including transport. The descent of the Vénéon river is 4.5 km long and lasts 1 hour in the water, making a total of 2 hours 15 minutes including time to prepare equipment, briefing and shuttle transport. The descent of the Bonne, which is more difficult, takes 2 hours in the water.

💰 Prices :

Vénéon river descent: 29€\ Bonne river descent: 49€ without transport, 65€ with transport\ Guisane river descent: 49€ without transport, 69€ with transport

Prices include the loan of equipment and insurance on the water.

Payment by cheque or cash.

A little extraDepending on availability and if you request it when you book, a photographer can capture your descent, with the option of buying photos.

Opening period: From mid-June to the end of September

☎️Contact:

Address: Intégral rafting, Les Deux Alpes, 38 520 Venosc.

Park in the tourist office car park, follow "Aventure Parc" and turn left before the bridge.

Telephone: 04 76 80 25 05

Mail:rafting@laposte.net https://integralrafting.wixsite.com/integral-rafting&utm_source=easyvoyage

🪂 With Vénéon Eaux Vives

The base is located in the Ecrins National Park opposite the Fétoules glacier, the Vénéon Eaux Vives base offers numerous water activities as well as a bivouac area, picnic tables, barbecue, shower and toilet facilities. They offer a 45-minute hydrospeed outing on the Vénéon river. Allow 1hr30 in all with equipment, shuttle, and briefing.

💰Price: €37 per person\ Payment by cheque, holiday voucher or cash.

Opening hours: From the beginning of May to the end of September

☎️Contact:

Vénéon Eaux Vives Le Plans du Lac, 38520 Saint Christophe en Oisans Telephone: 04 76 80 23 99 Mail: info@rafting-veneon.com

Where to stay near the hydrospeed?

A Venosc

At Château De La Muzelle in a 17th-century manor house, perfect for a couple's holiday with an idyllic setting in the heart of nature, close to the Venosc cable car.

by Jude JONES
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes
Latest news
Ireland
A guide to Listowel Writers’ Week: Ireland oldest literary and arts festival
Ireland
A weekend road trip around Connemara
Ireland
Exploring Doolin, the home of traditional Irish folk music
Ireland
Iveragh Peninsula
Read more articles
Top destinations