Snow drifting, frigid wind blowing, and heart pumping outdoor fun! When you think of high-adrenaline winter sports, usually snowboarding or ski jumping come to mind. But what if you’ve tried them all, and they have kind of lost some of that spark that made them fun in the first place? After all, most of the time, you’ll be waiting in line to get back up the hill, taking gondola rides again and again, for just a few moments of excitement. If want to try something truly unique and thrilling that will push you to your limits, try white water rafting, in the winter! Sound impossible? White water rafting is a popular sport, usually enjoyed during the summer months. However, it may come as a surprise to people that it can be enjoyed in the coldest weather months as well. It may be the winter sport that becomes your personal favorite!

Benefits of Winter Rafting

Roaring white water, surging down the river, carrying you and your crew with breath-taking speed. One of the main benefits of rafting in the wintertime comes from the roaring, crashing white water brought on by the extra precipitation. With the right gear, the cold water can be completely exhilarating! Unlike summer, you won’t have to worry about the hot sun making you sweat and feel sluggish. Another benefit is a complete lack of crowds, getting in your way and turning the experience into an aggravating one. You may be the only people out on the river that day. It is so much more exciting, easier and fun to zip down the river without having to pause to avoid other boaters. What could be better?

Risks Of Rafting In The Winter

Time to suit up and brave the raging water! You must be prepared for the challenges of winter white water rafting. The arctic water, combined with the icy wind can be an unpleasant combination, to say the least. So how do you handle the chill? It is vital to be smart and prepare for your rafting trip by selecting appropriate clothing and gear. If the temperature is above fifty, a wetsuit layered over long underwear or fleece can be sufficient. If it is lower than fifty, a special dry suit layered over fleece and a jacket will keep you snug and warm. Also, because there are so many fewer people around, you will need to be sure to travel with a group. This sort of trip requires some personal history with white water rafting, and ideally, a professional guide with a lot of knowledge and experience to lead the group.

White water rapids are graded by classes from one to six, one being the easiest, slow-moving rapids, and six, indicating a high-risk rapid that may never have been attempted before. It’s important to choose the level that is most appropriate for the skill level of you and your crew. Trips can be extended, with cold weather camping between trips, or shorter, high-octane adventures. When done with a few precautions taken, winter white water rafting can be the experience of a lifetime!

This article was written by Leigh Lock for Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting. Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting has guided thousands of whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek and throughout Colorado.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia Commons

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