Scares and Spas
Switzerland is the new rafting destination
THE SKI SEASON MAY BE A DISTANT MEMORY, in Switzerland at least, but that doesn’t mean the Alps are completely off limits. In Scuol, a three-hour train ride from Zurich, adrenaline fiends are being given the chance to enjoy the immaculate alpine scenery from a fresh perspective – that is, with the swirling white water of the River Inn crashing over their inflatable dinghy and giving them a good old soaking.
Whitewater rafting is fast becoming one of Switzerland’s most popular summer pursuits, with trips running from May to September. “Whitewater rafting is not something always associated with Switzerland,” said Rachel Jennings from Water By Nature, which runs weekend-long trips to the river, “but more and more people are finding that this is the perfect place to experience one of the most exciting activities around.”
When they tire of the river, visitors can choose to paraglide over the rafting site, with its blue rapids and lofty green pine trees, or hurtle down the slopes on specially-designed mountain bikes. Then invariably, when the sun goes down, they retire to Engadin Bad, Scuol’s famous spa, for a well-earned pampering.
Steve Vickers
A four-day river trip (excluding flights) costs £425 or €495; day trips are not available. +44 (0)1226 760 444, www.waterbynature.com
