Whitewater, Italian Alps, waterfalls, pasta... need we say more?
Join us in Valsesia, Italy May 10-17, 2026 for an unforgettable kayaking experience!
For a short window each spring, crystal clear meltwater pours into the valleys of Piemonte in Northern Italy. Paddlers from all over the world arrive at the riverbanks to enjoy the finest combination of whitewater, culture, food, and wine. There is no better place to refine your skills and experience steep creeking with our exceptional guides and instructors in a comprehensive, but approachable, training course. This whitewater training ground with smooth granite slides and bedrock rapids offer technical, yet surprisingly forgiving, paddling. You will be coached along the way by our local instructors in the most beautiful landscape and backdrop of Italian villages and snow capped peaks. We will refuel in the local cafes and restaurants and indulge in the all of the mouthwatering cuisine you can imagine.
We take pride in curating a trip that perfectly balances adventure and culture. The trip is all-inclusive so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the details. Check out the full list of inclusions/exclusions below.
Let us do the planning so you can do the paddling!
The Steep Creeks are calling... are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation at our private chalet
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Transport from the airport to the chalet
- Kayak rental for the week
- Kayak guides and instructors for 6 on-water days. Expect fantastic instruction with no more than 3:1 student to guide ratio.
- Transportation during the trip to all rivers, excursions, and restaurants
- Outdoor New England host and guide for the duration of the trip
- Pre-departure skill refresher (in-person at Colby Sawyer College in NH)
What's Not Included
- Airfare to Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP)
- Alcohol
- Gratuities
- Baggage fees
- Airport transfers outside of our group timeline
- PFDs, helmets, skirts, paddling clothes, drysuit
- Travel insurance
- Food, activities, or excursions outside of our itinerary
Daily Schedule
Transport from Milan Malpensa International Airport. The Drive is about 2 hours and will give you a taste of the region with beautiful sights, valleys, and the Alps.
Get settled in our chalet and check out the local village. We will of course have an epic Italian dinner and hang out with the group before a good night of sleep.
After a proper breakfast and coffee, we will visit our local whitewater outfitter for gear review and outfitting session. We will head out for a chill paddle on the Sesia to get acquainted with the crystal blue waters! This will give your guides and instructors the chance to look at how you’re paddling. This is your opportunity to find out what you want to work on during the trip to elevate your skills!
Today’s a technical skill review and the chance to set some goals for the rest of the week. We’ll head to a more challenging river section and introduce you to some of the key concepts of dynamic river paddling such as angulation, pro-active balance and driving your boat.
Today we’ll look at your river awareness. We’ll focus on group dynamics and leadership principles on one of the classics. Lots of time to paddle, work with the instructors, and take in the breathtaking sights!
Our first real day on the bedrock steeps will give you a real chance to work on your essential techniques. This is where things start to get really exciting!
More of the steeps all day! This will be another classic pool-drop river promising epic moments you will never forget.
Piemonte Classic: We will head out for an all day trip full of steep drops, scenic surroundings, and world class whitewater. We saved the best for last - an ideal finish to a perfect week of paddling in the Italian Alps!
Time to say Ciao to our time in Italy and head home!
Pricing
$4,199.00 Early-Bird
$4,299.00 Regular
Single occupancy in a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Only 1 private room available!
$3,990.00 Early-Bird
$4,099.00 Regular
Double occupancy in a room with two beds and an ensuite bathroom.
$3,800.00 Early-Bird
$3,890.00 Regular
Triple occupancy in a room with 3 beds and an ensuite bathroom. Perfect for you and your friends to share!
Deposit: $500 non-refundable deposit secures your reservation, room-type, and pricing (early-bird or regular).
If you have any questions, give us a call 603-671-7028 or email dan@outdoornewengland.com.
Please read through the full Booking Terms & Conditions below.
Necessary Experience
We want this trip to be an absolutely amazing experience for everyone. To best enjoy this trip and make it a safe experience for everyone, the following prerequisites must be met to attend:
- This trip is suitable for experienced paddlers, with a strong roll, who are able to paddle for 5 – 6 hours in a day on Class IV. If you are confident in Class IV but want to improve your paddling skills, this is the trip for you.
- If you have any questions about your skill or comfort level, reach out to us and we will happily chat with you!
Booking Terms & Conditions for Destination Trips
Steep Creeking In Valsesia, Italy
May 10-17, 2026
BOOKING PROCEDURE
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Apply through the form on our website, read the terms & conditions
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Submit your non-refundable deposit within 5 business days of application approval. A link will be provided to you by our trip planners
INCLUDED
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7 nights accommodation total
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All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner while on the trip after pick up from the airport on May 10, 2026
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Group Airport transfer to and from our villa on start and end dates of retreat. If you arrive earlier or later than the group time, you will be responsible for transfer costs
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All transportation as listed in the itinerary
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Kayak guides and instructors for 6 on-water days. Expect fantastic instruction with no more than 3:1 student to guide ratio.
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Outdoor New England host and guide for the duration of the trip
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Pre-departure skill refresher (in-person at Colby Sawyer College in NH)
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Kayak rental for all on-water days listed in the itinerary
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Transfer of personal paddle in our group paddle bag at the airport
EXCLUDED
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Airfare to and from MXP
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Gratuities
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Alcohol
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Baggage fees
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Airport transfers outside of our group timeline
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PFDs, helmets, skirts, paddling clothes, drysuit
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Travel insurance
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Food, activities, or excursions outside of our itinerary
COST
Please note: $500 deposit must be paid by September 10, 2025 to secure Early-bird Rates
Single occupancy in a private room with an ensuite bathroom.:
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$4,199.00 Early-Bird
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$4,299.00 Regular
Double occupancy in a room with two beds and an ensuite bathroom.
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$3,990.00 Early-Bird
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$4,099.00 Regular
Triple occupancy in a room with 3 beds and an ensuite bathroom.
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$3,800.00 Early-Bird
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$3,890.00 Regular
PAYMENTS
Payments can be accepted through cash, personal check, or credit card. Credit card payments will incur fees.
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$500.00 USD non-refundable deposit due within 5 days after application. If your deposit is not received within 5 days, your spot will be passed onto the next person.
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Early-bird Rates: $500 non-refundable deposit must be paid by September 10, 2025 to secure Early-bird Rates.
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Half of the remaining balance for your trip is due January 10, 2026
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Remaining balance is due April 10, 2026
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Late payments will incur a late fee of $25.
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Full Payments not received by April 10, 2026 will forfeit your spot on the retreat and a cancellation fee and percentage will be retained.
CANCELLATION BY YOU
(a) You may cancel your retreat reservation at any time provided that the cancellation is made by the person submitting the booking form and has communicated to us in writing. Cancellation will take effect the day such notification is received by us. As holding your registration incurred costs to book guides, rooms, and meals, we will retain your deposit and, in addition, may apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below:
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90+ Days before 1st day of Trip: Cancellation charge $500 non-refundable deposit and associated fees.
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30-89 Days before 1st day of Trip: Cancellation charge 50% of paid balance and associated fees.
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0-29 Days or Less before 1st day of Trip: Cancellation charge 75% of paid balance and associated fees.
(b) Once the retreat has commenced, no refund or part refund or unused portion of your payment will be repaid in the event of cancellation by you. If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an Insurance Policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
AMENDMENTS BY US
It is unlikely that we will make any changes to the retreat, as we plan the arrangements over a year in advance. Occasionally, minor changes may have to be made (to itineraries, venue accommodation, other amenities), which we reserve the right to do at any time. Changes are normally minor and we will advise you as soon as possible. If a significant change becomes necessary, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible.
CANCELLATION BY US
We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel the retreat.
(a) In the event of an act of nature or other event that impacts our ability to travel in the selected time to Italy, an assessment will be made, and the retreat may be rescheduled. In the event of rescheduling, your payments will be applied to the new dates. We are not responsible for flights and transportation nor will transportation be refunded.
(b) In the event we cancel the retreat due to lack of attendance, we will offer a refund of full monies paid for the tuition of the retreat. We are not responsible for flights and transportation nor will transportation be refunded.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
(a) You are responsible for ensuring that you have a valid passport, any necessary visas and any required vaccinations or other health requirements prior to arrival. Please consult with the CDC and WHO websites on inoculation recommendations and with your personal doctor.
(b) International health insurance is strongly recommended. In the event of an emergency, you must be able to financially cover all costs out of pocket while abroad.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES
By submitting your application and non-refundable deposit, you acknowledge and agree to these Booking Terms & Conditions.