Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips

What Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips does

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips is a privately held, family-owned whitewater and scenic rafting operator based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, conducting guided trips on the Snake River under a Bridger-Teton National Forest commercial use permit held continuously since 1967. The company runs an 8-mile whitewater route through Snake River Canyon featuring Class II-III rapids (including Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter) on standard 10-16 guest rafts and 8-person high-energy rafts, alongside 13-mile scenic floats along the upper Snake River with Grand Teton views and wildlife spotting. Group offerings span corporate team building, scout troops, family reunions, wedding parties, church groups, and youth organizations, with bundled adventure packages combining rafting with Willow Creek Horseback Riding and Brushbuck Guide Service at a 10% combined discount; sister-company lodging (Snake River Cabins & RV Village, Alpine Valley RV Resort) provides embedded pickup and multi-day stay integration.

The underlying operating technology is physical rather than digital: Coast Guard-approved life jackets, helmets, wetsuits and neoprene gear, specialized inflatable rafts, and a proprietary Dave Hansen Guide School training pipeline covering swiftwater rescue, CPR/First Aid, and Snake River ecology. Bookings are processed through the company's own website and The FlyBook third-party platform, supplemented by phone reservations, walk-in traffic at the iconic downtown Jackson office (225 West Broadway), and pickup service from partner lodging. Pricing is unit-based per person ($105-$135 depending on trip type and age), with a Bridger-Teton National Forest user fee of $3/day for guests 16+.

The revenue model is direct-to-consumer, seasonal, and transactional: ticket sales during a ~4.5-month operating window (mid-May through late September) with up to five daily departures, plus a small equipment-rental stream (wetsuits, waterproof phone cases) and ancillary revenue shared with package partners. Marketing is dominated by earned media and review platforms (TripAdvisor #1, Best of Jackson Hole 14 consecutive years, USA Today 10Best #1, 4.9/5 stars across 3,500+ Google reviews), supported by SEO blog content, Instagram, and community philanthropy of approximately 1,000 donated trips per year to local schools and nonprofits. Ownership transferred from founder Dave Hansen to Bud and Kelly Chatham in 2004 on the binding condition that company values remain intact, and the operation is run day-to-day by General Manager Kyle Vosmus and Operations Manager Keith Vosmus.

Name

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips

Legal name

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips

Website

https://davehansenwhitewater.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips is a privately held, family-owned rafting operator in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offering guided whitewater and scenic float trips on the Snake River under a Bridger-Teton National Forest permit held since 1967, serving tourists, families, and group bookings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Adventure Tourism

NAICS

Inland Water Passenger Transportation (483212), Tour Operators (561520)

akta.pro primary industry

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Whitewater & Paddle Sports Centers (Rafting, Kayak, SUP, Canoe) (THAAAKAF), Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & River Adventures (THAJABAB), Rafting & River Float Trips (Whitewater, Leisure Floats) (THAJAJAI), Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB)

Keywords

• Whitewater rafting tours
• Scenic river floats
• Guided rafting trips
• Outdoor adventure tourism
• Snake River excursions

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Whitewater Rafting Trips: Guided whitewater rafting experiences on the Snake River through Snake River Canyon with Class II-III rapids. Standard raft trips accommodate 10-16 guests; 8-person rafts offer smaller, more intimate high-energy experiences.
2. Scenic Float Trips: Relaxing 13-mile scenic float trips along the upper Snake River offering Grand Teton views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Trips accommodate 6-12 guests.
3. Adventure Packages: Bundled experiences combining rafting with partner activities (horseback riding, wildlife tours) at 10% discount. Revenue shared with partners Willow Creek Horseback Riding and Brushbuck Guide Service.
4. Equipment Rentals: Wetsuits, wetsuit jackets, neoprene boots, and waterproof phone cases available for rent to enhance guest comfort during trips.
5. Lodging Services: Sister companies Snake River Cabins & RV Village and Alpine Valley RV Resort offer nearby lodging, with some coordination for guest pickup and packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips operates guided whitewater rafting and scenic float experiences on the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The company runs 8-mile Class II-III whitewater trips through Snake River Canyon and 13-mile scenic floats with Grand Teton views, alongside group bookings and bundled adventure packages with partner activities. Trips are staffed by certified guides and run seasonally from mid-May through late September.

Product overview

Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips operates a unified outdoor recreation service centered around guided rafting experiences on the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The core offerings consist of Whitewater Rafting Trips through Snake River Canyon's 8-mile Class II-III rapids and Scenic Float Trips along 13 miles of the upper Snake River with Grand Teton views. The company also offers Group Rafting Trips with discounted rates for corporate, family, and special occasion bookings. Add-on adventure packages include the Paddle to Saddle Horseback Riding Package (partnered with Willow Creek Horseback Riding) and the Wet & Wild Wildlife Tour Package (partnered with Brushbuck Guide Service), both offering 10% bundled discounts. Sister company lodging includes Snake River Cabins on the banks of the Snake River and Alpine Valley RV Resort in Alpine, Wyoming. The company has operated since 1967 under Bridger-Teton National Forest permit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Whitewater Rafting Trips The signature whitewater experience navigating Class II-III rapids through Snake River Canyon, including named rapids such as Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter. Available as a Standard Raft for up to 16 guests or an 8-Person high-energy raft. Designed for ages 6 and up, including first-time rafters and families.
• Scenic Float Trips A 13-mile relaxing scenic float on the upper Snake River featuring Grand Teton views and wildlife spotting including bald eagles, elk, mule deer, bison, and moose. Accommodates up to 12 guests ages 4+ on a dry, comfortable ride lasting 3.25 hours door-to-door.
• Group Rafting Trips Private group bookings for corporate team building, family reunions, scout groups, wedding parties, church groups, and youth groups. Includes discounted group rates and customized trip planning assistance.
• Paddle to Saddle Horseback Riding Package Bundled adventure package combining morning whitewater or scenic rafting with Willow Creek Horseback Riding through the Wind River Range and Hoback Canyon. Offers 10% discount on both activities when booked together.
• Wet & Wild Wildlife Tour Package Adventure package pairing Dave Hansen rafting trips with Brushbuck Guide Service's Grand Teton Wildlife Dawn or Dusk Tour featuring wildlife viewing including grizzly and black bear, eagles, elk, bison, wolves, pronghorn, and moose. Offers 10% discount on both activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55+ years of continuous operation as Jackson Hole's top-rated whitewater company
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Willow Creek Horseback RidingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdventure package partner offering combined river rafting and horseback riding experiences in the Jackson Hole wilderness. Provides 10% discount when booked together. Located at 255 W. Broadway with shuttle service to river.
• Brushbuck Guide ServiceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWildlife tour partner offering Grand Teton Wildlife Dawn or Dusk Tours combined with Dave Hansen rafting trips. Includes 10% discount on both activities. Contact: 888-BUCKTOURS. Tour includes snacks, refreshments, binoculars, and spotting scopes.
• Snake River Park Cabin VillagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company and primary partner lodging property located on the banks of the Snake River south of Jackson. Offers pickup service for Dave Hansen rafting guests. Part of Chatham Family of Businesses. Properties include cabins, RV sites, and tent camping.
• Alpine Valley RV ResortcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company RV resort located 1/4 mile from Palisades Reservoir in Alpine, WY. Provides whitewater trip departures and returns directly from the resort. Can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet with full hookups, fire pits, WiFi, and 50 amp service.
• Snake River FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental nonprofit protecting the Snake River ecosystem. Dave Hansen donates funds and participates in river conservation efforts. One of multiple environmental organizations supported by company philanthropy.
• Grand Teton AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit supporting Grand Teton National Park. Dave Hansen contributes financial support through partnerships to protect and preserve the natural environment of Jackson Hole.
• Teton County Parks and RecreationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government organization. Dave Hansen supports through financial donations to safeguard and maintain community recreational spaces and parks.
• Bridger-Teton National ForestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal forest service. Dave Hansen is a permittee of Bridger-Teton National Forest since 1967, authorized to conduct commercial rafting operations on National Forest lands including the Snake River Canyon section.
• Float-O-GraphsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional photography company that captures action shots of rafters at Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter rapids. Photos available for purchase after trips. Located at snakeriverphoto.com.
• Snake River PhotominorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional photography service capturing whitewater action photos during Dave Hansen trips. Photos available for purchase and kept on file for five years. Located at snakeriverphoto.photodeck.com.
• Astoria Hot SpringsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor commercial hot spring facility near Snake River Cabins. Recommended as rainy day activity for Jackson Hole visitors; features 5 temperature-controlled soaking pools along the Snake River.
• JH Public ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Hole public art organization. Partnered with Dave Hansen to create the 'WildWalls' mural on the downtown office building, painted by artist Kika Macfarlane.
• National Museum of Wildlife ArtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMuseum overlooking National Elk Refuge. Recommended as indoor activity alternative during rainy days in Jackson Hole.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Backroads: Active-adventure travel company offering guided small-group trips including river rafting and outdoor experiences across the US; comparable premium guided-outdoor business model targeting similar affluent experiential travelers.
• OARS: Established multi-region whitewater rafting outfitter with rafting, scenic floats, and adventure packages across the Western US; competes indirectly for the same adventure-tourist customer wallet in destination river markets.
• Holiday River Expeditions: Long-running outfitter running guided rafting and adventure trips on rivers in Colorado/Utah; comparable business model of multi-day guided river experiences with package offerings.
• REI Adventures: National adventure travel brand offering guided outdoor trips including rafting; competes for the same adventure-tourist customer but across a much broader portfolio of destinations and activities.

Direct peers

• Mad River Boat Trips: Long-established Jackson Hole whitewater and scenic rafting outfitter operating on the Snake River with a comparable product mix (whitewater, scenic floats, and private group trips) and similar customer base of Jackson Hole tourists.
• Barker-Ewing Whitewater: Jackson Hole-based rafting outfitter offering scenic floats and whitewater trips on the Snake River with a similar multi-generational family positioning and group/private charter capabilities.
• Snake River Adventures: Local Jackson Hole rafting operator on the Snake River offering comparable scenic float and whitewater experiences to overlapping visitor demographics.
• Whitewater Rafting (Jackson Hole): Jackson Hole outfitter (formerly Sands Whitewater) running Snake River scenic floats and whitewater trips; directly competes with Dave Hansen for the same tourist and family segments on the same river.

Emerging players

• Scenic Safaris: Jackson Hole-based outdoor tour operator offering wildlife, scenic, and adventure tours; partial overlap with Dave Hansen's scenic float and wildlife-viewing experiences and serves the same Jackson Hole tourist.
• Brushbuck Guide Services: Jackson Hole wildlife and adventure tour operator that is an existing GTM partner of Dave Hansen (10% bundled discount) but also an adjacent competitor for Grand Teton tourist time and wallet share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/davehansenrivertrips
• Facebookfacebook.com/DaveHansenWhitewaterJacksonHole
• Xx.com/DaveHansenWW

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips