Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

The best part of this Davos experience happens before the resort town is fully awake. You head up Jakobshorn for a tandem flight over the Alps, with about 1,000 meters of height difference beneath you. The early start is not a gimmick: morning air can make for pleasant flight conditions and clearer views.

I like two things right away: the private format, which gives your group personal attention from one pilot, and the fact that photos and video are included. The main catch is that your cable car ticket is extra, so the $222.07 price is not the complete cost of getting to launch.

Key points

• 8:00 am departure: Start early from Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos for the morning flight window.
• Jakobshorn launch: Fly from a mountain above Davos with a total height difference of about 1,000 meters.
• FOCA-licensed pilot: Your tandem pilot manages the flight and safety procedures.
• Private activity: Only your group takes part, rather than joining a large shared outing.
• Photos and video included: You receive visual memories without paying a separate media fee.
• Cable car ticket extra: Check the current fare, though summer reductions may apply with a guest card.

A Morning Flight Above Davos

Paragliding gives you a different view of the Alps. You are not looking through a train window or standing behind a railing. You are suspended beneath a canopy, moving quietly through the air while Davos and the surrounding mountains spread out below.

This is a tandem flight, so you do not need to operate the paraglider yourself. The pilot takes care of the equipment and flight control. Your job is to follow the instructions for the takeoff and then enjoy the view.

The experience lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes overall. That timing includes meeting up, preparing, reaching the launch area, flying, and returning to the meeting point. It should not be read as 1 hour and 45 minutes of continuous airtime.

The early schedule is one of the strongest reasons to choose this version of the activity. You meet at 8:00 am, when the day is still cool and the first mountain light can be especially clear. Flight conditions depend on the weather, but the stated aim is to use the pleasant conditions often found in the morning.

From Bahnhofstrasse 11 to Jakobshorn

Your meeting point is Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which keeps the outing simple for planning the rest of your day.

Davos is well served by public transportation, and the meeting point is near public transit. That matters here because an early start can make driving and parking feel like unnecessary work. You should still allow enough time to arrive calmly. A rushed arrival is not a good way to begin a flight.

From the meeting point, the activity heads toward Jakobshorn. The cable car ticket is not included in the tour price. In summer, you may receive a reduction with a guest card, so check what applies to you before booking or before buying the lift ticket.

That extra cost is the main financial detail to keep in mind. At $222.07 per person, this is not a bargain outing, especially once the cable car is added. Still, the price includes a private tandem experience, a licensed pilot, flying equipment, suitable clothing, photos, and video. For someone who values a personal flight and wants ready-made memories, the package has a clear advantage over an activity that charges separately for every image.

Preparing for Takeoff on Jakobshorn

At the mountain, the pilot prepares the paraglider and explains what you need to do. The included flight clothing is listed as good shoes, a jacket, gloves, and similar items. You should still arrive ready for mountain weather, since conditions at launch can feel quite different from those in Davos.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. That wording is useful because this is not presented as a strenuous mountain trek, but it is also not a completely passive ride from start to finish. You need to be able to take part in the takeoff instructions and manage the physical demands of the flight preparation.

The operator provides the paragliding equipment, so you do not need to bring your own technical gear. A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot conducts the flight. That licensing detail is important: you are relying on the pilot to manage the canopy, launch, route, and landing while you concentrate on instructions and the views.

The supplied information does not name every pilot. One pilot mentioned by name is Martin, whose calm and relaxed manner helped a first-time passenger feel secure. That gives you a useful sense of the service style, though pilot assignment may vary.

The Takeoff: Follow Simple Instructions

Tandem paragliding takeoff is the moment when clear instructions matter most. You will be connected to the pilot and the equipment, then told how to move as the canopy fills. The precise procedure can depend on wind and site conditions, so listen closely rather than trying to anticipate the next step.

The activity is designed for first-time participants. You do not need previous paragliding experience, and the pilot handles the flight. The key is to stay attentive during preparation and follow directions without overthinking them.

Once airborne, the sensation changes quickly. The ground drops away and the view opens across the mountains around Davos. Instead of the noise and machinery of a cable car, you get the quiet movement of a paraglider carried through the air.

Some people book a flight hoping for a dramatic rush. Others mainly want a peaceful Alpine view. This outing can suit both, but the exact feel depends on weather, air movement, and the pilot’s flight plan. You should not expect every flight to deliver the same combination of height, motion, and scenery.

A 1,000-Meter View of the Alps

The advertised height difference is about 1,000 meters, giving the flight a strong sense of scale. Jakobshorn begins high above Davos, and the route brings you down toward the valley and landing area.

The view is the reason to choose this activity over a standard mountain lift ride. You see the terrain from above and in motion, with changing angles as the paraglider travels. On a clear day, the mountain setting can be especially striking. One flight even encountered a rainbow after the cloud cover opened, with snow-capped Jakobshorn adding to the scene.

That example also points to an important limitation. Weather in the mountains can shift. An overcast start does not always ruin the flight, but visibility and conditions are never guaranteed. The operator requires good weather and may cancel if it is not suitable. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

I appreciate that policy because paragliding should not be forced to fit a fixed holiday schedule. You do need some flexibility, however. If this is your only planned activity in Davos, keep a backup plan for the day.

What the Private Format Really Means

This is a private activity, with only your group taking part. That does not mean you have a private mountain or a flight with a separate pilot for every person. It means the booking is not built around a large shared sightseeing group.

The benefit is personal attention. You can ask questions, receive direct guidance, and avoid being folded into a crowd. For a first flight, that can make the morning feel calmer. The available feedback repeatedly points to a relaxed and professional atmosphere, with explanations that help people feel secure.

That personal format also makes this a good choice for a couple, family group, or small set of friends who want to share the experience. If you are traveling alone, the private setup may still appeal, but the price per person is harder to compare with a larger group activity.

The strongest praise focuses on safety and confidence. The accounts describe pilots and staff as professional, clear, and reassuring. One first-time passenger felt comfortable enough to say it would not be a one-time flight. That does not remove the natural nerves of stepping off a mountain, but good communication can make a major difference.

Photos and Video: A Practical Bonus

Photos and video are included, which is a valuable part of this package. During a flight, you cannot easily take your own pictures while also following instructions and enjoying the view. Having the operator handle the visual record lets you stay present.

The inclusion also improves the value calculation. A lower-priced flight can become expensive once media is added, especially if you want proof of the flight for friends and family. Here, the images and video are part of the stated package.

The exact number, format, and delivery method are not provided, so I would not assume a particular number of photographs or a specific video length. Ask the operator if those details matter to you before booking.

The camera material is also more than a souvenir. It helps you remember the scale of the flight after you return to the ground. Mountain views can pass quickly, especially if cloud or changing light affects what you see at the time.

Landing and Returning to Davos

After the flight, the activity ends back at the meeting point in Davos. That makes the morning easy to combine with another plan, though you should leave room for weather changes or delays.

The total duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, not a strict guarantee. Mountain activities rarely run with the precision of a museum entry slot. The early start is useful because it leaves much of the day open, but I would avoid booking another fixed event immediately afterward.

The end of the activity is also where the whole experience becomes easy to judge. You have had the mountain ascent, the preparation, the flight, and the return without needing to manage technical equipment yourself. For many people, that clean structure is part of the appeal.

The key question is how you feel about heights. The flight is designed to be safe and guided, but a calm pilot cannot remove the fact that you will be high above the valley. If you already know that heights cause serious distress, a mountain viewpoint may be a better choice.

Is $222.07 a Fair Price?

At $222.07 per person, this belongs in the special-occasion part of a Switzerland budget. The cable car ticket is extra, which increases the real cost. You should include that lift fare before deciding if the activity fits your plans.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a private, guided flight and included media. You are paying for the pilot, equipment, clothing, photos, and video, not just the minutes in the air. A less expensive alternative may offer a basic flight but not the same level of personal attention or the same included extras.

I would also compare the cost with what you value most. If your priority is simply reaching a high viewpoint, the cable car alone may satisfy you. If you want a memorable activity that changes the way you see Davos, the flight offers something a lift ride cannot.

The early morning schedule may add value, too. You are using the first part of the day for the flight and can still plan other Davos activities later. The tradeoff is that you must be ready early and accept that poor weather can change your plans.

Who Should Book the Jakobshorn Flight?

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time paragliders who want a guided introduction
• Couples or small groups seeking a private activity
• Visitors who value safety explanations and direct pilot attention
• Anyone who wants photos and video without arranging a separate media package
• People with moderate fitness who are comfortable following takeoff instructions
• Visitors with a flexible schedule in case mountain weather changes

I would think twice if you have a very tight morning timetable, dislike heights, or want a low-cost attraction. The extra cable car ticket also matters for anyone traveling on a strict budget.

You should also consider the season. Summer guest-card reductions may lower the cable car cost, but the exact benefit depends on your card and the current transport terms. The flight itself still depends on suitable weather.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity is offered in English. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start, using the local time in Davos.

A cancellation made less than 24 hours before the start is not refundable, and changes inside that window are not accepted. This makes it wise to check your plans before the cutoff rather than waiting until the night before.

Bad weather is handled differently from a personal change of plans. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is helpful, but you should still keep another activity in reserve.

Should You Book This Davos Paragliding Tour?

Book it if you want a personal early-morning flight from Jakobshorn, not just a quick thrill. The FOCA-licensed pilot, private format, included equipment, and complimentary photos and video give the experience a solid package of practical benefits.

I especially like it for first-time flyers who want calm guidance. The repeated emphasis on clear explanations, professional handling, and a relaxed atmosphere is exactly what I would want before a first takeoff.

Skip it if the full cost, including the cable car, strains your budget or if you need a guaranteed schedule. For everyone else, this is a memorable way to see Davos from above, with the flexibility to reschedule or receive a refund if the mountain weather refuses to cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience take place?

The activity takes place in Davos, with the flight departing from Jakobshorn mountain.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Is the cable car ticket included?

No. The cable car ticket is not included. In summer, reductions may be available with a guest card.

Is the flight private?

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

Is a pilot provided?

Yes. The flight is conducted by a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot.

Are photos and video included?

Yes. Photos and video are included with the experience.

What equipment or clothing is provided?

Paragliding equipment is provided, along with flight clothing such as good shoes, a jacket, and gloves.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.