Whitewater Rafting - Vail Activity: Rafting Nearby Resorts: Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards, Arrowhead Proximity: 5 miles west of Vail THE summertime activity in The Mountains is Whitewater Rafting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing float trip to soak up the sun and scenery, or the full-on adrenaline high of a white-knuckle class 5 wild ride, there is everything here for you! The intensity of the water on a rafting trip is classified on a scale of one to six. One being a simple float trip and six being defined as cannot be attempted without risk to life and limb and is considered unrunnable!! Generally commercial rafting outfitters therefore restrict themselves to the classes 1 thru 5!! For most first timers the limit would be a class 3 or class 3/4 mixed trip. For younger kids, you should look at staying with a class 1/2 trip and kids must weigh at least 40lbs (normally minimum 4 years old) in order to fit into a commercial PFD (Lifejacket). For children a little older looking for a little more adventure a class 2/3 trip is appropriate (normally minimum 7 years old). For a class 3/4 trip normally an aggressively minded older child or teenager would be the minimum advised. Class 5 trips are restricted to adults and teenagers 16 or older who have experienced and are happy on class 3/4 water. All rafting outfitters are required by Colorado State Laws to ensure that their guides are trained to rigorous proficiency standards in commercial rafting experience, including first aid, CPR, and swift-water rescue, so you can be sure you're in good hands. The outfitters that we select for â..The Mountains USAâ.� have extensive training programs, which all meet and in many cases substantially exceed these requirements. All equipment meets or exceeds state requirements and rafts are self-bailing. PFD's (lifejackets) are all class V with the maximum amount of floatation available. Wetsuits and booties are available for rent to ensure that you are kept warm (if not dry!) and splashjackets are available for all trips. Weather in the high country is notoriously volatile, even in summer time, and all trips go out rain or shine, so be prepared! Cotton garments are a bad idea on the river; they get wet, stay wet and make you cold. Polypropylene/wool, or a â..wickingâ.� material is best. Quick dry shorts and tops work well, and don't forget sun protection - hats, sunscreen and sunglasses (with croakies) are all a must. Footwear will get wet, so, sandals with heel retention (like Teva's or similar) or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet are fine. If you are looking for a real adventure during your stay in The Mountains, make sure that this is the first one you choose. Whitewater Rafting, whichever trip you select, is a great day out and will leave you with memories that will last all year and ensure that you come back again for more! The Eagle river provides great thrill in the early season run off. The Eagle River Trips: Class II/III: The Lower Eagle River (7 yrs & older) Moderate level rapids with woderful scenery. A great family trip that requires no previous rafting experience Class III/IV: The Upper Eagle River (14 yrs & older) Adventurous trip with non stop action. Class IV: The Dowd Chutes (16 yrs & older) The locals favorite stretch in the spring run off!!! Prices and Dates Trip Type/Name Trip Length Trip Times Price per Tour Price per Adult/Driver Price per Child/Passenger         From 13 Yrs From 7 To 12 Yrs Dowd Chutes  Half Day  9:00 AM $95 $N/A Upper Eagle  Half Day  9:00 AM $95 $N/A Lower Eagle  Half Day  9:00 AM $90 $80 Dowd Chutes  Half Day  2:00 PM $95 $N/A Upper Eagle  Half Day  2:00 PM $95 $N/A Lower Eagle  Half Day  2:00 PM $90 $80
Activity Notes Note: All pricing is subject to and 18% gratuity Includes: Helmets (if needed) and PFDâ..s (personal flotation device). Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets available for rent. What to wear: Weather in the high country is unpredictable, so be prepared! Normally quick dry shorts/bathing suits and tops are the best idea. Cotton is not a good idea on the river since it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Polypropylene, wool or some other wicking material work best. Sun protection is VERY important, so a hat, sunglasses with â..croakiesâ.�, and plenty of sun screen. Footwear will get wet, so sandals with heel retention are the best (Tevaâ..s or similar) â.. flip-flops types are not allowed. Sneakers are fine too, but they WILL get wet! What to bring: Waterproof cameras are a good idea. A towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes. Bottled water or sports drinks to fend off dehydration. Last, but not least, a BIG smile and lots of enthusiasm!!!