Val di Sole: Noce River Extreme Rafting with Private Transfer

Summary

White water challenge through Alpine canyons and forest gorges

You’ll push off into wild Alpine rapids on the Noce River with a local guide who actually jokes back when you’re nervous. Expect icy splashes, tangled forest canyons, and moments where you forget everything except what’s right in front of you. All gear is included plus private transport between sections — just bring your courage (and both shoes).

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus to Val di Sole because I couldn’t find my left shoe. Not the best start for an “extreme” day, but maybe that’s just how these things go. By the time I met our guide, Matteo, at Ursus Adventures, my nerves were buzzing louder than the river itself. He grinned and handed me a wetsuit — still a little damp from the last group — and said, “You’ll be wetter soon anyway.” Fair point. The Noce River was right there, frothy and cold-smelling, with the Alps crowding close on every side. We squeezed into our gear while another group laughed about someone’s lost paddle (I made a mental note).

The first section from Cusiano was fast but not terrifying — Matteo kept shouting instructions over the slap of water against plastic. It’s weird how you can feel your heart in your hands when you grip a paddle that tight. Rapids came quick: grade 2s and 3s at first, then suddenly we were at Mezzana where they held some world championship thing years ago. That part? Honestly, I thought we’d flip for sure. Water smacked us sideways and filled my mouth with something halfway between glacier melt and panic. My friend yelled “Go!” like we were storming a castle or something — I couldn’t stop laughing after.

We got out at Dimaro for a bit (my legs wobbled like pasta) and then drove to Malé to hit the next stretch. The “forest gorges” looked darker than I expected, all mossy rocks and echoey bird calls above the roar. Matteo told us to watch for “never-ending holes” — which sounded dramatic until I saw one swallow half our raft for a second. There was this moment in the “three peaks” section where everything went quiet except for our paddles slicing through foam, sun flickering off wet helmets. It felt sort of… pure? Or maybe just very alive.

Cavizzana showed up sooner than I wanted — 18 km gone in what felt like minutes and hours at once. We peeled off wetsuits with frozen fingers and steam rising around us like soup (bad analogy but it’s true). Someone’s shoe floated by; not mine this time. Still thinking about that cold river smell when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Extreme rafting on Noce River

• Depart from Cusiano
• Navigate rapids grades 2 to 3
• Face grade 4 Mezzana rapids
• Arrive in Dimaro and exit boat
• Drive to Malé
• Resume rafting at Malé
• Conquer forest gorges rapids
• Pass never-ending holes rapids
• Navigate three peaks rapids
• Finish rafting at Cavizzana

Top questions

How long is the extreme rafting trip on the Noce River?

The full route covers about 18 km along two main river sections.

Where does the rafting tour start and end?

The trip starts in Cusiano, stops at Dimaro for a short drive to Malé, then finishes at Cavizzana.

What level are the rapids on this Val di Sole rafting experience?

Rapids range from grades 2-3 up to challenging grade 4 sections like Mezzana.

Is equipment provided for Noce River extreme rafting?

Yes, all necessary equipment is provided: wetsuit, spray jacket, helmet, paddle, buoyancy aid.

Are transfers included during the rafting trip?

Private transportation between river sections is included as part of your day trip.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience is required but good physical fitness is recommended due to difficulty.

What should I bring for this extreme rafting tour?

You need swimwear for under your wetsuit, shoes that can get wet (not flip flops), a non-cotton T-shirt, and dry clothes for after.

Is lunch or food included during this Val di Sole activity?

No meals are included; only equipment and transfers are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes all specialist rafting equipment cleaned after each use (wetsuit, spray jacket, helmet, paddle), private transportation between river sections from Cusiano through Dimaro to Malé and Cavizzana, plus guidance from experienced local instructors who keep things safe even when it feels wild out there — just show up ready to get soaked.