Val di Sole: Noce River Rafting Family Route & Private Transfer

Summary

Family rafting on the Noce River wild water & gentle waves

You’ll paddle through Val di Sole’s wildest stretches on the Noce River with a local guide leading your raft past castles and rapids. Kids join for most of the ride (with safe transfers during big rapids). All gear is provided — just bring your energy and dry clothes for later. You’ll end up soaked, tired, probably laughing — but also kind of wanting to do it again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at the rafting center in Val di Sole was how everyone seemed to know each other — or at least acted like it. Our guide, Matteo, handed out wetsuits and grinned at my nervous laugh when I tried to zip mine up backwards (classic). The Noce River was right there, loud and fast but somehow inviting. I could smell wet rocks and pine needles, that sharp mountain air that makes you feel awake even if you’re not a morning person. Kids were bouncing around, already splashing each other with paddles before we’d even started.

We kicked off near San Michele Castle — which looked like something from an old storybook, honestly — after a quick safety talk that was more jokes than lecture. Matteo made sure everyone understood what to do if they fell in (“Don’t panic. Seriously.”), and then we practiced paddling on dry land for a minute. It felt silly until we hit the water and realized how much it helped. The first stretch was gentle enough for me to relax and actually look around; green hills everywhere, and every so often you’d catch this cold spray from the river that woke you right up.

I didn’t expect the rapids at Mezzana to be so loud — it’s like the river is suddenly shouting at you. We all yelled back, half in excitement, half just because it felt right. The kids had to hop out here (they got shuttled by van for this bit), which they pretended not to mind but I could tell my youngest wanted to stay on board. After that wild section, things calmed down again as we floated toward Dimaro. Sun came out between clouds and everything smelled like wet grass and river stones — hard to explain but it sticks with you.

By the end I was soaked through but weirdly happy about it. My daughter kept talking about Matteo’s “river stories” (he swears he once saw a deer swim across) while we peeled off wetsuits with numb fingers. There’s something about sharing cold water and laughter with strangers that makes you feel less like strangers by the time you’re done. Honestly, I still think about that last quiet stretch of water — just us drifting under gray sky, nobody saying much for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting descent on Noce River

• Arrive at rafting center in Cusiano
• Attend theoretical lesson and dry runs
• Begin rafting on easy initial section
• Navigate increasing rapids to Mezzana
• Children 5-13 transfer to Piano di Commezzadura
• Continue rafting through waves to Dimaro

Top questions

Is this Noce River rafting tour suitable for children?

Yes, kids aged 5 and up can join most sections; children ages 5–13 are transferred by van during the Mezzana rapids for safety.

Where does the family rafting trip start in Val di Sole?

The rafting descent begins in Cusiano, near San Michele Castle in Upper Val di Sole.

How long does the rafting experience last?

The full route takes almost two hours from start to finish on the river.

What equipment is included in this Noce River rafting tour?

Your fee covers wetsuit, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, buoyancy aid—everything cleaned after each trip.

Is transportation included for parts of this family rafting day?

Yes; private transfers are arranged for children during certain sections and return transport is included.

Do I need special shoes or clothing?

You’ll need swimwear for under your wetsuit, shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops), a synthetic T-shirt, and dry clothes for after.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; max weight is 120 kg.

Where does the tour finish?

The route ends at Dimaro after passing through Piano di Commezzadura where the river calms down again.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation along sections of the river as needed (especially for younger kids), all required equipment such as wetsuits and helmets freshly cleaned after each use, guidance from experienced local staff who know every twist of the Noce River by heart, plus plenty of time at their riverside center before and after your descent to change into dry clothes or just swap stories over snacks if you want.