Head for Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to try out Packraft, a white-water activity that is very much in vogue in France; a new experience proposed by Nunayak in summer 2023 on the Giffre, the river that winds through the valley of the same name.

An exclusivity, tested by Laure. Here is the story.

• What is Packraft?
• Packraft at the Bout du Monde (End of the World), in Haute-Savoie
• A hike with a boat as a backpack!
• After the hike: let’s jump into the water!
• Packraft: an accessible sporting experience in the Haut-Giffre
• At the helm of the Packraft: Theo, Maeva and Valentin from Nunayak

What is Packraft?

Before getting on board (and diving into the story of this experience), you need to understand the concept of Packraft in the Haut-Giffre: it consists of walking up the Giffre with your boat on your back, which will be used to go back down the river once you’ve reached the Bout du Monde (End of the World). Maximum thrills. Minimum carbon footprint. Let’s set off on a sporting and challenging adventure in which you become one with the elements: water, rock and earth!

Packraft at the Bout du Monde (End of the World), in Haute-Savoie

To embark on this extraordinary adventure, let’s head for Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and the Nunayak Rafting base, the historic white-water spot in the Haut-Giffre; welcomed by Théo, Maeva and their team, including our guide: Valentin. He has a 13 years experience of navigation on the Giffre, of which he knows every meander and swirl by heart. After the all-important briefing and equipment handover (wetsuit, waterproof jacket and shoes, helmet and lifejacket), the announcement: “We are going to work hard and get wet” (literally and figuratively)! In the land of 30 waterfalls, including the “Queen of the Alps”, we would have expected this. But we have been informed, and that is what we are here for. Much good will come of it. From the outset, we know we are going to bath in the wildly water of the Giffre, which comes from the mountains and the source of which is none other than the famous Bout du Monde (End of the World) in the Fer-à-Cheval cirque.

A hike with a boat as a backpack!

Before gliding down the white waters of the Giffre, we get to know the river and its environment by walking along its left bank. To practise Packraft the right way, you need to go upstream. The hour-long, gentle hike along the Giffre greenway path (which is also a cycling track and a cross-country ski track in winter) is an enlightening experience, with Théo providing valuable information and landmarks to help us understand this unspoilt, wild environment, which can only be seen from the Giffre. The emblematic Corne du Chamois (2560m) takes centre stage in front of us in a majestic way. You get the privilege to have this gentle adrenalin rush as you walk up the Giffre and you just realise how lively it is. We will have to master this lively river to let ourselves slide aboard the boat that we are carrying on our backs.

After the hike: let’s jump into the water!

Before getting on board, it’s time to swap your mountain gear for something more aquatic! Then you will inflate your small, lightweight boat (a cross between a kayak and a raft) using a pump sack. A first! You also take the time to think about it, as you realise at the edge of the white water that you are going to have to jump into the big bubble bath! Alone on my little boat: it’s a first! I had already tried rafting, but with a team, which means I had people to rely on, right ?

On my own, I have to be at my most skilful and dexterous level to thread my way between the stones and over the lively waters of the Giffre, which splits the Haut-Giffre. I wasn’t even afraid. A few scary moments between the stops, though. Valentin is always keen to give a dose of confidence to those (like me) who might have let their confidence sunk, and to give invaluable advice on how to handle the next sections. Some of which are magical.

That day, as I was passing under the bridge, a farmer was crossing over it with his tractor loaded with bales of hay ready to be stored to feed the animals of the mountain pastures in winter. This is an agricultural land. In the Haut-Giffre, farms produce cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s cheese. But let’s not lose sight of the relief of this river, which is full of surprises! Like diving! On two occasions, I suddenly treat myself to a cup of white water. And a jacuzzi session as a bonus. An unsuspected rock and the raft overturns. It was a bit of a scare, but maximum safety, as Valentin and my team-mates for the day were ready downstream to catch me on the fly. A word of warning: when you’re diving, it’s better to let yourself slide! The zen aspect of the activity. And yet I had listened carefully: “in the lively flow passages, always paddle and show your buttocks (to the flow)”. As the rapids went by, with Valentin (Val) always leading the way, my confidence grew. And the pleasure is beyond measure.

Packraft: an accessible sporting experience in the Haut-Giffre

What better combo and way to discover the two treasures of the Haut-Giffre: its mountain landscapes, which look like the end of the world, and the lively, bubbling waters of the Giffre? If someone had told me that one day I’d be climbing aboard a boat on my own (I’m more of a mountain person), I might not have joined the adventure at first sight. But in the beauty of the Haut-Giffre and the Fer-à-Cheval cirque, I didn’t need many arguments to let myself be carried away by this experience, or should I say adventure (a human one too), which is something you should do at least once in your life. No pressure, just a strong impression and great sensations! Sporty and zen at the same time, packraft is an experience that allows you to gain height without a change in altitude, and to discover in an intimate way a territory where mountains and water form a naturally good marriage for the body, the heart and the mind.

At the helm of the Packraft: Theo, Maeva and Valentin from Nunayak

There would be no experience without committed local people to take us along and help us discover the Haut-Giffre, which they promote with passion, with their activities that give you this thrill you remember for the rest of your life.

“When we took over Nunayak a year ago, and then launched the Packraft activity this summer as a complement to our other whitewater activities, we wanted to promote responsible tourism in our region and enable locals and holidaymakers to discover the Haut-Giffre in a different way. This is a way to enable everyone to get out of their comfort zone without putting themselves at risk, in an original microadventure that can be enjoyed from spring to autumn. We adapt the courses to suit each individual”.

Théo

Nunayak Manager

“I have been on the water since the age of 9 and have been an expert river guide for 13 years now. Packraft allows you to go to places that are inaccessible in any other way and discover the DNA of the Haut-Giffre: mountains and water. It is unique and I am lucky enough to be able to passionately guide people in this new sport”.

Valentin

Nunayak Expert Guide

Do you want to test Packraft?

From 16 years old

From €100 for a 1/2 day or €150 for a full day.

haute-savoie-rafting.com