Alpine Rafting
Alpine Rafting is a Golden, BC-based adventure tourism operator founded in 1984, offering guided whitewater rafting trips, heli-rafting, kayak/SUP rentals, and riverside camping on the Kicking Horse River to families, thrill-seekers, and corporate groups visiting the Canadian Rockies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersGolden, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Alpine Rafting does
Alpine Rafting is a privately held Canadian adventure tourism operator founded in 1984 by Jimmy and Val Pleym, based in Golden, British Columbia, with operations centered on the Kicking Horse River and adjacent Yoho National Park. The company offers guided whitewater rafting trips across multiple difficulty tiers — Full Day Whitewater Discovery ($199/person), Half Day Whitewater Express ($125-$135/person), Family Rafting ($119 adult / $95 child), and premium Heli Rafting — alongside ancillary products including Stand Up Paddleboarding, Inflatable Kayak Rentals, and free rustic riverside camping on a 25-acre site in Beaverfoot Valley. The core technology stack is conventional: physical rafting equipment (a distinctive fleet of red and white rafts), the third-party Rezdy booking and reservation platform, and standard marketing analytics (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel). No proprietary software, mobile apps, or developer-facing APIs exist.
The business model is direct-to-consumer and transactional, with revenue generated primarily through per-trip unit pricing paid at booking. Customers access the service through three channels: self-serve online booking via the Rezdy platform (24/7), direct phone/email contact with the Golden office, and referrals from tour operators such as FreeBird Adventures. Customer segments span individual adventure tourists, families with children as young as 4-5, corporate groups for team-building, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Marketing is conducted through the company blog, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), email newsletters, and TripAdvisor. In February 2019, after 25 years under founder ownership, the company was acquired by Glacier Raft Company (owned by Ryan and Carmen), another established Golden-based rafting operator, and now operates as a subsidiary while retaining its brand identity, trip portfolio, and 11-50 employee base.
Alpine Rafting firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Alpine Rafting
- Legal name
- Alpine Rafting Ltd.
- Website
- https://alpinerafting.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Alpine Rafting is a Golden, BC-based adventure tourism operator founded in 1984, offering guided whitewater rafting trips, heli-rafting, kayak/SUP rentals, and riverside camping on the Kicking Horse River to families, thrill-seekers, and corporate groups visiting the Canadian Rockies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Alpine Rafting industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adventure Tourism / Whitewater Rafting
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (561520)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF)
Keywords
Where Alpine Rafting is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Golden
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Alpine Rafting business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Whitewater Rafting Trips: Alpine Rafting generates revenue through one-time transaction fees for guided whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River. Offerings include Full Day, Half Day, Family, and Heli Rafting trips. Additional revenue streams include kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and potentially gift card sales.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Full Day Whitewater Rafting - $199 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Half Day Whitewater Rafting - $125-$135 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Family Kicking Horse River Rafting - $119 adult (12+), $95 child (5-11) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Raft and Camp Package - Free camping with any rafting trip |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Alpine Rafting product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Alpine Rafting operates guided whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, British Columbia, providing day and overnight river expeditions, family-friendly floats, extreme rafting, and kayak rentals for visitors to the Canadian Rockies. The company equips guests with gear and guides and markets directly to outdoor and adventure travelers, including families, groups, and international visitors.
Product overview
Alpine Rafting is a whitewater rafting company operating on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC. The company offers a portfolio of adventure products centered around water-based activities: Full Day and Half Day Whitewater Rafting (core products), Family Rafting, Heli Rafting adventures (premium add-ons with helicopter access), Raft and Camp Packages (rafting combined with free rustic camping), Stand Up Paddleboarding, and Inflatable Kayak Rentals. The product line progressed from traditional rafting (since 1984) to adding SUP and inflatable kayaking in 2015, creating a comprehensive water-adventure portfolio. The company was acquired by Glacier Raft Company in 2019 but continues to operate under the Alpine Rafting brand.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Family rafting trips Guided whitewater rafting day trips on the Kicking Horse River designed for families and less-experienced guests, including children.
- Extreme rafting trips High-intensity guided whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River targeting thrill-seeking adult guests.
- Wet connector trips Guided wet-connector whitewater rafting day trips on the Kicking Horse River for guests wanting a longer or more continuous river experience.
- Overnight river trips (overnighters) Multi-day guided whitewater rafting and camping expeditions on the Kicking Horse River for guests seeking an extended backcountry experience.
- Heli-rafting packages Premium helicopter-assisted whitewater rafting trips allowing guests to access remote sections of the Kicking Horse River, delivered in cooperation with helicopter tour partners.
- Kayak rentals Kayak rentals providing self-propelled water access for guests wanting an independent on-water experience independent of guided rafting trips.
Quantifiable outcome
- Guided over 160,000 guests since 1984
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Alpine Rafting
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Alpine Rafting technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Alpine Rafting partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Glacier Raft CompanycoreGlacier Raft Company, owned by Ryan and Carmen (long-time entrepreneurs from the Golden area), purchased Alpine Rafting as of February 2019. The acquisition brought Alpine Rafting under new ownership while maintaining the same rafting trips and service standards. The Pleym family (original owners Jim and Val) operated Alpine Rafting for 25 years before the sale.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Alpine Rafting competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Wilderness Tours: Largest whitewater rafting resort in Ontario, running multi-day rafting, kayaking, and camping packages. Comparable business model (raft + camp, multiple trip tiers, family through extreme) but operates on the Ottawa River rather than the Kicking Horse.
Direct peers
- Glacier Raft Company: Sibling/parent rafting brand also based in Golden, BC, operating on the Kicking Horse River. Most directly comparable operator — same river, same customer base, same product types, and now shares ownership with Alpine Rafting.
- Kootenay River Runners: Long-established whitewater rafting outfitter in the BC Rockies running trips on the Kicking Horse and other regional rivers. Directly comparable product mix (half-day, full-day, family) and target market of Banff/Calgary visitors.
- Hydra River Guides: BC whitewater rafting outfitter running trips on multiple BC rivers for families, adventure tourists, and groups. Comparable in customer segments (families, group events), pricing tiers, and guide-led trip format.
- Sunwolf Outdoor Centre: BC-based outdoor resort offering whitewater rafting, cabin lodging, and riverside activities near the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Comparable because it bundles rafting with lodging/camping in a destination setting similar to Alpine's Raft & Camp model.
- Wild Blue Adventures: BC-based adventure outfitter offering whitewater rafting and wilderness experiences targeting the same Calgary/Banff/Lake Louise visitor flow that feeds Alpine Rafting.
- Canadian Outback Adventures & Expeditions: BC-based whitewater rafting and adventure tourism operator offering multi-day trips and day rafting on Kootenay-area rivers. Comparable in product structure, customer type, and regional destination model.
- Highside Adventure: BC Rockies rafting and adventure operator serving Banff-area visitors with comparable whitewater products, family-friendly options, and group bookings.
Broad incumbents
- OARS: Long-established North American rafting and adventure travel operator offering guided trips across multiple rivers and destinations. Comparable in multi-tier trip structure and adventure tourism focus, but operates at much broader geographic scale.
Others
- Tourism Whistler: Destination marketing organization for Whistler, BC, which aggregates and promotes rafting, SUP, and other water-based activities similar to Alpine's offerings. Comparable as a regional demand-generation channel for the same Canadian adventure tourism visitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Alpine Rafting social profiles
Digital presenceAlpine Rafting financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Alpine Rafting leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Alpine Rafting funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Alpine Rafting M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Alpine Rafting
What does Alpine Rafting do?
Alpine Rafting operates guided whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, British Columbia, providing day and overnight river expeditions, family-friendly floats, extreme rafting, and kayak rentals for visitors to the Canadian Rockies. The company equips guests with gear and guides and markets directly to outdoor and adventure travelers, including families, groups, and international visitors.
Is Alpine Rafting a public or private company?
Alpine Rafting is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Alpine Rafting founded?
Alpine Rafting was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Alpine Rafting based?
Alpine Rafting is headquartered in Golden, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Alpine Rafting make money?
One revenue line is on record: whitewater Rafting Trips.
Who are Alpine Rafting's main competitors?
Wilderness Tours is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Glacier Raft Company, Kootenay River Runners, Hydra River Guides, Sunwolf Outdoor Centre, Wild Blue Adventures, Canadian Outback Adventures & Expeditions and Highside Adventure. OARS is listed as a broad incumbent. Tourism Whistler is listed as an others.
Does Alpine Rafting have an API?
No public API is recorded for Alpine Rafting.
What industry is Alpine Rafting in?
Alpine Rafting's product category is Adventure Tourism / Whitewater Rafting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAADAB, Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters, with a secondary code of THAAALAF, Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing). Its NAICS code is 561520 and its SIC code is 7900.