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Playspot: Italia, Villeneuve, Dora Baltea, Dora Baltea Rodeo Hole.

What's it like

In the village Villeneuve, the river Dora Baltea is about 30 meters wide. There is one big stopper across the river, with a 2 meters wide green wave right in the middle and small eddies left and right.

The stoppers on the left and right are shallow in the morning but the river normally rises by lunch time, and then they are very good for cartwheeling.

Late June, July and August are the best time to go. The river is then high, very big volume and the temperatures are high both in and out of the river. Make sure you to bring lots of sun tan lotion.

One great thing about the wave is that you can see the famous Mont Blanc in front of you as you surf.

The rest of the river, upstream is big volume, grade 5 plus. Below it's 4 minus. If that's not enough, there are lots of harder rivers in the area that feed into the Dora Baltea as well.

How to get there

From France head to Chamonix and then drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Once in Italy, stay on the main road heading for Aosta. Just before heading into Aosta look for a sign Villeneuve, cross over the river into the village and as you cross the river look down and you will see the wave.

From here, you can follow the signs for Rafting Aventure and you will find the local rafting company and (British) Acorn Venture camp site, which is where Tom Page (see More Info) will be from April onwards to work the season. You're invited to and visit him there.

More info

Rafting Aventre: Villeneuve, Aosta, Italy: +39 16595082, fax: +39 16595544.

Aosta Tourist Office, Piazza Chanoux 8, Aosta, Italy: +39 165236627.

Tom Page, Acorn Venture, Camping Dora Baltea, Villeneuve, Aosta, Italy. Phone/fax +39 16595981 mobile: +44 403786330

Locals

The people in the village are great. They are very friendly and will be happy to help. There are plenty of cafe's, bars, hotels and camp sites that are pretty cheap.

You will meet lots of rafts on the river and lots of friendly British paddlers that live out there.

There are a few fishermen but again you could get out and sit on the bank with them, soaking up the sun, drink wine and smoke cigars.

Events

Yearly Dora Baltea Festival, normally at the end of July.

Info sources

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