About This Route
Upper Rhône in Valais' Goms Valley, from Gletsch to Brig (15km), packs Class III-IV through Furka Pass moraines and Urseren gorges. Outfitters like Rhône Rafting offer expert 4-hour epics with 'Rhônefall' hydraulics. Glacier-fed, peaks July; strict permits enforce SAC protocols amid post-1999 reforms.
Safety Considerations
Ice-cold 4-8°C water demands drysuits; shock drownings common. Avalanches feed debris; SLF checks essential. Steep drops invert rafts; master combat rolls. Flash floods rare but valley funnels amplify. Law mandates 1:5 ratios, swiftwater rescue certs. No alcohol; fatigue from altitude (1500m+).
Essential Gear
NRS expedition drysuits; Black Diamond throw ropes. Add crevasse probe for shores.
Preparation Tips
Gauge at Reckingen; 8-15 cumecs prime. Hypoxia drills. Evac via Furka road.