Imagine paddling through white-water rapids in a landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard—think lush mountains, rushing currents, and the thrill of adrenaline. That’s exactly what you get with this 2-hour rafting tour on the Noce River in Val di Sole, Italy. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed information tell us it’s a fantastic choice for anyone craving a mix of fun, nature, and a bit of a splash.
What we love most about this experience? First, the expert guides who clearly prioritize safety and fun. Second, the stunning scenery that surrounds every rapid and stretch of river. Third, the top-notch safety gear, which includes new, sanitized equipment and professional instructions. The one thing to keep in mind? If you’re traveling with children, they’ll need to be between 6 and 13, as younger kids are taken out during the most challenging sections. This tour is perfect for adventurous families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to tick rafting off their bucket list in a scenic setting.
Key Points
- Highly rated experience with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 149 reviews.
- Family-friendly with safety measures in place for children aged 6-13.
- Eco-conscious operation, certified ISO 14001 for environmental management.
- All safety gear provided, including wetsuits, helmets, and life vests.
- Stunning scenery and a variety of rapids, from gentle grade 2 to adrenaline-pumping grade 4.
- Convenient booking with a mobile ticket and flexible cancellation policy.
The Ultimate Overview of the Noce River Rafting Tour
The Noce River in Val di Sole is renowned for having one of the most exciting and scenic white-water experiences in the region. The tour, organized by Ursus Adventures, combines a solid hour of paddling through exhilarating rapids with the chance to soak up breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush green valleys. Starting from Cusiano, just below San Michele’s Castle, the trip’s initial stretch is gentle enough for beginners. Once you’re comfortable, the guide will introduce you to the various paddle commands, helping everyone learn the basics before tackling the more challenging sections.
The rafting progresses through sections marked by grades 2 and 3 rapids, with a few grade 4 stretches that deliver a serious rush of adrenaline. Our reviews mention the “pure adrenaline” of these rapid sections, particularly around the Mezzana World Championship Circuit, which is known for its demanding white-water. Guides like Jose, who received praise for his professionalism and friendliness, will ensure everyone knows what to do and feels safe—an essential detail especially for first-timers or nervous water lovers.
Looking for more options in Trentino Alto Adige? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Detailed Itinerary and Highlights
Starting Point: Cusiano and San Michele’s Castle
The adventure kicks off at the meeting point on Via di Sotto Pila in Ossana, just at the foot of San Michele’s Castle. Here, your guides will conduct a safety briefing—covering paddle commands, proper seating, and what to do in case of a spill. You’ll then hop into a comfortable bus for a short ride to the river’s starting point, setting the tone for a day of fun.
The First Section: Calm and Introductory
Initially, the river flows gently, giving everyone a chance to get comfortable in their new environment. This part is perfect for beginners or those eager to get a feel for paddling before facing the rapid sections. One reviewer mentioned that the guide explained everything well in English, which helps reduce any initial nervousness.
The Rapids: The Heart of the Adventure
As you move further downstream, the landscape opens up to reveal more challenging rapids. These are rated between Grade 2 and Grade 3, with occasional Grade 4 drops that pack a punch. Expect to get splashed and banged around a bit, but always with safety gear that feels reassuringly snug. One guest noted that their guide, Jose, took photos and videos with a GoPro, capturing the moments of excitement, which you can later purchase for 30 euros.
Safety Measures and Child Participation
For safety reasons, children aged 6 to 13 are taken out of the boat during the more intense sections. They’re driven to Piano di Commezzadura by friendly drivers, which ensures they stay safe while still enjoying the day. This system keeps the trip safe for younger kids but means they won’t be in the boat during the most adrenaline-pumping parts.
Final Stretch and End Point: Dimaro
After nearly two hours of splashing, paddling, and laughing, you’ll arrive at Dimaro—the final stop of the tour. The trip concludes here, but the fun doesn’t end. Guests can relax at the private park, enjoy the private lake, or unwind at the bar and restaurant. The scenic setting, coupled with a chance to reflect on your adventure, makes this a perfect ending.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Eco-Friendliness and Safety
Ursus Adventures is the first and only ISO 14001 certified center in Italy, reflecting their commitment to sustainability. This means they actively work to minimize environmental impact, which is important when you’re surrounded by pristine nature. The equipment, including wetsuits and helmets, is new and sanitized with ozone, ensuring your safety and hygiene.
Expert Guides and Customer Service
Multiple reviews highlight guides like Jose and Kosé for their professionalism, friendliness, and patience. They’re knowledgeable, explaining everything clearly in English, and are quick to take photos and videos, giving you keepsakes of your adventure. This personal touch adds a lot to the experience, especially for families and first-timers.
Scenic and Fun for All
The scenery along the Noce River is genuinely stunning—mountains, forests, and the occasional castle in the distance make every rapid feel like part of a cinematic adventure. The variety of rapids caters to thrill-seekers while still being accessible to beginners, making it a well-balanced experience.
Value for Money
At $63.96 per person, the tour offers significant value considering the included safety gear, private transportation, and the duration. Guests often mention the professionalism and the fun atmosphere, feeling they received a lot more than just a boat ride.
Practical Details and Considerations
Duration and Booking
The tour lasts around 2 hours, starting from Cusiano. It’s recommended to book about 13 days in advance, which shows how popular this experience is. The booking includes a mobile ticket, making it easy to plan your day without hassle.
What’s Included and What to Bring
You’ll be provided with a 3mm wetsuit, water jacket, life jacket, helmet, and paddle. However, shoes are not included, so bring your own suitable footwear—preferably quick-drying and closed-toe. After the tour, you can access a park of over 10,000 square meters, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a picnic.
Weather and Water Conditions
The river conditions depend on weather, with water levels affecting the route. In rare cases, sections may be modified for safety. The experience is canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are poor, with a full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible cancellation policies allow full refunds if canceled 24 hours or more before the scheduled start. This is helpful if weather turns bad or if your plans change unexpectedly.
Why You Should Consider This Experience
This rafting tour offers a perfect blend of thrilling rapids, breathtaking scenery, and a focus on safety and environmental responsibility. It’s highly recommended for families with children (6+), groups of friends, or anyone new to white-water rafting but eager to try. The guides’ professionalism and the high-quality gear ensure a safe experience, while the stunning natural backdrop makes it memorable.
If you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-organized adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes. Plus, the opportunity to have photos taken during the rapids means you’ll have lasting mementos of your time on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children between 6 and 13 can participate, but they’ll be taken out during the most challenging rapids and driven to the finish point for safety.
What safety gear is provided?
You’ll receive a wetsuit, water jacket, helmet, life vest, and paddle—all sanitized and in new condition.
How long does the rafting last?
The actual rafting experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including time for briefing and safety instructions.
What is the difficulty level of the rapids?
The river features rapids from grades 2 to 4, offering a good mix of fun and adrenaline. The most intense sections are clearly managed by guides, with safety as a priority.
Can I cancel the tour if weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor weather or water conditions.
Do I need to bring anything?
Shoes are not included, so bring suitable footwear. Other than that, your safety gear is provided, and you might want to bring a waterproof camera or phone to capture moments.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Via di Sotto Pila, 6, Ossana and ends back at the same meeting point after roughly two hours.
Is the tour environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. Ursus Adventures is ISO 14001 certified and committed to environmentally sustainable practices, including the use of ozone-sanitized equipment.
What if I want to purchase photos?
Guide-managed photos and videos are available for 30 euros, which many reviewers found to be a worthwhile souvenir.
This 2-hour rafting experience on the Noce River offers incredible value for thrill-seekers, families, and nature lovers alike. The combination of professional guides, safety-conscious equipment, and stunning scenery makes it a standout activity in Val di Sole. While it’s suitable for beginners and children (with safety measures), it also delivers enough excitement to satisfy seasoned adventurers. The eco-friendly approach and personalized service elevate this tour beyond just a fun ride—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature responsibly.
If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized adventure that leaves you with lasting memories, this trip is a fantastic option. Just remember to book in advance, wear suitable shoes, and be ready for a splashingly good time in Italy’s beautiful mountains.