Davos Absolutely Free Flying Paragliding Tandem Flight 1’000 Meters High

From the top of Jakobshorn, you take a few quick steps and leave the mountain behind. Soon you are sitting in front of your pilot, gliding quietly above Davos with a 1,000-meter drop between takeoff and town. There is no engine noise and no sudden free fall, just wind, views, and a smooth ride through the Alpine air.

I like the private pilot setup, which keeps the experience personal and lets you choose between a gentle flight and extra action. I also like the practical organization: you meet at the cable-car station, ride uphill with your pilot, and finish close to where you started. The main consideration is weather. Airtime can range from 15 to 35 minutes, and poor conditions may force a change of date.

Key Points Before You Book

• A 1,000-meter descent from Jakobshorn: You launch high above Davos and finish near the center of town.
• 15 to 35 minutes in the air: Wind conditions determine the exact airtime, so the flight length is not fixed.
• A 10 to 20-minute uphill walk: The cable car does most of the work, but you still need to reach the launch spot on foot.
• A private tandem flight: You fly with one personal pilot rather than as part of a large group.
• Calm or more playful flying: You can enjoy a gradual glide, try steering, or ask your pilot about freestyle maneuvers.
• Winter clothing is available if needed: The operator supplies extra clothes similar to ski clothing in winter and hiking clothing in summer.

From Davos Platz to the Jakobshorn Launch Site

Your experience begins at Joyride Paragliding on Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos. The meeting point is at the cable-car station in Davos Platz, making it fairly easy to fit the flight into a day of sightseeing or mountain activities.

You meet your pilot here before going up. Robert and Peter are among the pilots associated with the experience, and Beat also flies with the team. The early contact matters because your pilot needs to consider the group’s size and weight when arranging the flight schedule. Robert has contacted participants several days ahead in some cases to suggest timing changes for families.

The ride to Jakobshorn is part of the outing, not just a transfer. You travel by cable car with your pilot, gaining height while Davos gradually spreads below you. Once you leave the cable car, expect a 10 to 20-minute hike to the launch site.

That walk is not described as strenuous, but you should have moderate physical fitness and be comfortable walking on a mountain path. Wear sensible footwear. The hike is short enough for most active visitors, though it is worth remembering if you have mobility limits or are carrying a lot of clothing and personal items.

The Takeoff: A Few Steps, Then Open Air

At the launch site, your pilot sets up the glider and explains what you need to do. You do not need previous paragliding experience, and no special technical skills are required.

The key instruction is simple: when your pilot gives the signal, you run a few steps together. The glider lifts, and you are airborne. That transition can feel more exciting than frightening because it happens through forward motion rather than a jump from a platform.

You sit in front of the pilot throughout the flight. Your pilot handles the glider and watches the conditions, while you take in the view. The supplied clothing is useful here. Even on a pleasant day in Davos, the air can feel cooler once you leave the shelter of the mountain.

The company provides additional clothes if necessary. In winter, that means clothing similar to ski gear. In summer, it is more like hiking clothing. You should still arrive dressed for the season, since the available clothing is a backup rather than a reason to show up unprepared.

What 15 to 35 Minutes in the Air Feels Like

The flight covers a height difference of about 1,000 meters. Airtime lasts between 15 and 35 minutes, depending on the wind. That range is important when comparing this experience with other aerial activities. You are not buying a precisely timed flight, but a weather-dependent ride that may be shorter or longer on the day.

The sensation is a smooth glide rather than a powered aircraft trip. With no motor, the air feels unusually quiet. You can sit in front of your pilot and watch the peaks, valleys, and town below without the vibration or noise of an engine.

Your pilot can keep the flight relaxed. If you want more excitement, you can ask about steering the glider or trying freestyle maneuvers. The available information specifically mentions thrilling spins and other freestyle moves, but you should discuss your comfort level with the pilot before asking for them.

This flexibility makes the experience suitable for different kinds of people. One person might want a peaceful first flight with plenty of time to look around. Another might want a livelier ride with turns and a chance to help steer. Your pilot can shape the flight around the conditions and your wishes, within the limits of safety and weather.

The views are the main reward. You see Davos from above, then watch the mountain and valley setting change as you descend. The flight gives you a sense of the scale of the Swiss Alps that is hard to get from a road or cable-car viewpoint.

Landing Near the Heart of Davos

The landing takes place close to the original meeting point. As you approach the ground, your pilot guides the glider down, and you finish with a few running steps.

That simple landing matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi from a remote field or find your way back to town after the flight. The experience ends at the meeting point, which makes it easy to continue with your plans in Davos.

You may want to keep the rest of your schedule flexible. The total booking time is about two hours, covering the meeting, cable-car ride, walk to the launch area, setup, flight, and landing. Wind conditions can affect the timing, so do not place an important reservation immediately afterward.

The Pilots and the Feel of the Experience

The team includes pilots such as Robert, Peter, and Beat. Their role is more than simply flying the glider. They explain the takeoff, manage the equipment, adjust to the conditions, and decide how to handle the landing.

The personal nature of the outing is one of its strongest points. This is a private activity for your group, so you are not sharing the flight itself with a large party. That gives you more room to ask questions and tell your pilot how adventurous you want the ride to be.

The experience also appears well suited to families. One family flew together with children and adults, after Robert helped adjust the schedule around the group’s size and weight. Children under 12 are accepted only on request, so families should ask before booking rather than assume every child can participate.

The tone is friendly and relaxed. The pilots have encouraged first-time flyers, helped participants through cloudy conditions, and kept the focus on both safety and enjoyment. Still, paragliding is an outdoor activity. The final decision to fly rests on the conditions and the pilot’s judgment.

Price and What You Get for $252.95

At $252.95 per person, this is a major activity purchase, especially for a family. The value comes from more than the minutes in the air. Your price includes a personal tandem pilot, the cable-car ascent with the pilot, the mountain approach, equipment, and extra clothing if necessary.

You are also paying for access to an experience that would be difficult to arrange independently. A licensed tandem setup, mountain launch, weather checks, equipment preparation, and guided landing all require a professional operation. For many people, the flight becomes the main event of a day in Davos rather than a short add-on.

The cost is easier to justify if you care about the aerial view and want a private experience. It may feel less worthwhile if you are mainly looking for a long activity, since airtime can be as short as 15 minutes. The price does not include souvenir photos, though photos are available to purchase.

You also pay for your own transport to Davos and the cable-car meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are already staying in Davos, this is less of an issue. If you are coming from elsewhere, allow extra time for reaching Davos Platz.

Weather, Fitness, and Practical Planning

Good weather is required. If conditions are poor, the flight may be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund. This is a sensible policy for a wind-dependent activity, but it means you should avoid treating the flight as a guaranteed part of a tightly packed itinerary.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cutoff follows local Swiss time.

Plan to be active for the full two-hour appointment. You will walk to the takeoff point, run a few steps for takeoff, and run a few steps again when landing. The stated requirement is moderate physical fitness, not extreme fitness, but you should be comfortable on a mountain path.

The experience is offered in English. The mobile ticket makes it convenient to keep your booking on your phone. Since you meet at the cable-car station, arrive with enough time to find Joyride Paragliding before the scheduled start.

Who Will Enjoy This Flight Most

I would recommend this to you if you want a strong view of Davos without committing to a technical mountain sport. You need no special skills, and the pilot takes care of the flying. The short hike is the main physical demand.

It is also a good choice for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want to share a memorable activity. Because the activity is private, it feels more personal than a large sightseeing outing.

You should think twice if you are uncomfortable with heights, dislike weather-dependent plans, or need a guaranteed flight duration. The glider is gentle for much of the ride, but spins and freestyle maneuvers are possible if requested. Tell the pilot clearly if you prefer a calm descent.

The experience suits repeat visitors to Davos particularly well. You see familiar mountains from a new angle, and the landing near town makes it easy to combine the flight with other plans.

Should You Book the Davos Paragliding Flight?

Book it if you want a quiet Alpine flight with the option of extra thrills, and if a 15 to 35-minute airtime window works for your schedule. The combination of a Jakobshorn launch, a 1,000-meter descent, a private pilot, and a landing near Davos gives you a lot in a compact two-hour outing.

I would not book it as your only possible plan on a short trip, since poor weather can change the date. Keep a backup activity ready, and leave space around the appointment. For families, confirm the arrangements for children under 12 before paying.

For everyone else, this is a strong choice for seeing Davos from above without needing training or extreme fitness. The price is high, but the professional setup, private attention, equipment, and unusual mountain viewpoint make it a fair splurge for a special day.

FAQ

How long does the entire paragliding experience take?

The full appointment lasts about two hours. This includes meeting the pilot, riding the cable car, hiking to the launch site, preparing the glider, flying, and landing.

How long will I actually be in the air?

Airtime lasts between 15 and 35 minutes. The exact length depends on the wind conditions.

Where do I meet the paragliding team?

You meet Joyride Paragliding at Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, at the cable-car station in Davos Platz.

How do I reach the launch site?

You ride the cable car from Davos with your pilot and then hike for about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the launch area on Jakobshorn.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. You do not need special skills or extreme fitness. The pilot explains the takeoff and handles the glider during the tandem flight.

Is the activity private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Can children take part?

Children under 12 can participate only on request. Families should contact the operator before booking.

Are photos included in the price?

No. Souvenir photos are not included, but they are available to purchase.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.