Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

The big draw here is the early-morning flight from Jakobshorn, when the air is often calm and the mountain views are at their clearest. You launch high above Davos, then glide down through roughly 1,000 meters of height difference with an experienced tandem pilot doing the work.

I like the private format, since your group gets the pilot’s full attention instead of being folded into a large outing. I also like the useful extras: clothing, photos, and video are included, so you can concentrate on the flight rather than packing special gear or trying to hold a camera.

The main catch is cost and timing. At $222.07 per person, this is not a casual add-on, and the 8:00 am start means you need to be ready early. You also pay separately for the cable car, though summer guest-card discounts may help.

Key points to know before you book

• A 1,000-meter descent: The flight gives you a long look at Davos and the surrounding Alps, not just a quick hop above the launch site.
• An early start at 8:00 am: Morning conditions are the reason for the schedule, so sleeping late is not part of this plan.
• A private tandem flight: Only your group participates, with individual attention from a FOCA-licensed pilot.
• Photos and video included: You receive a record of the flight without needing to manage a phone in the air.
• Warm clothing supplied: Jacket, gloves, and other flight clothing are available, along with equipment and good shoes.
• The cable car is extra: Budget for the ride up to Jakobshorn, with possible summer reductions through the guest card.

Why an early flight from Jakobshorn makes sense

Paragliding is strongly shaped by the weather. This outing uses the calmer, pleasant conditions often found early in the day, which is one reason the meeting time is 8:00 am rather than later in the morning.

That early hour also changes the feel of Davos. You are not simply looking at the mountains from a viewpoint. You rise above them, with the town below and the broad Alpine scenery opening around you. The total height difference of about 1,000 meters gives the flight enough time to feel like a real outing rather than a short amusement ride.

You should still treat the schedule as weather-dependent. A clear morning can bring sharp views of snow-capped peaks, while changing cloud can alter what you see. One especially memorable flight included a rainbow after an overcast start, showing how quickly mountain weather can shift.

The weather requirement is not a minor footnote. If conditions are poor, Air-Davos can cancel the flight and offer another date or a full refund. That protects safety, but it means you should avoid building your entire day around a guaranteed flight.

From Bahnhofstrasse 11 to the Jakobshorn launch

The experience begins at Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it practical if you are staying in town and do not have a car.

From there, the outing moves toward Jakobshorn. The cable car ticket is not included in the listed price, so check the current fare before you arrive. In summer, your Davos guest card may provide a reduction, which can make the total cost easier to swallow.

The ride up is part of the setup, not part of the flight itself. At the mountain station, the pilot prepares the tandem equipment and explains what you need to do. The supplied clothing can include good shoes, a jacket, gloves, and other useful items for the flight.

That clothing provision matters. Even on a pleasant day in Davos, the air can feel cooler once you are airborne. You should still arrive ready for a mountain morning, but you do not need to assemble a full paragliding wardrobe yourself.

What the tandem launch feels like

This is a tandem flight, so the pilot controls the paraglider. You are connected to the pilot and share the same harness system, allowing you to focus on the view and the sensation of being above the valley.

The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness. That is a practical warning rather than an athletic challenge, but you should be comfortable following instructions and handling the launch and landing process.

Your pilot gives you explanations before takeoff. Clear guidance matters here, especially for a first flight. One pilot named Martin received particular praise for his calm manner and the sense of security he created. If Martin is assigned to your flight, you can expect a pilot whose style has been described as relaxed and reassuring. Pilot assignments are not specified in advance, so do not book solely on the assumption that he will be flying.

The team’s style is professional and uncomplicated. That is useful for people who feel excited but slightly nervous. You want safety instructions to be clear, not buried under a long speech, and the available feedback points to a well-organized preparation.

The flight: Davos below and the Alps ahead

Once airborne, the main event is the view. Jakobshorn gives you a high starting point and a long descent, with Davos spread below and the surrounding mountains filling the horizon.

The roughly 1,000-meter height difference is important when comparing this outing with shorter paragliding options. You have time to settle into the harness, get used to the quiet, and take in the scenery instead of spending the whole flight waiting for it to begin.

The setting can be striking in different ways. A clear day may give you crisp Alpine views and snow on the higher peaks. A partly cloudy morning can add changing light and drama. In one flight, the weather opened enough to reveal a rainbow, with the snow-covered Jakobshorn still visible. You cannot order that kind of moment, but the morning timing gives you a good chance to see the mountains in changing light.

The flight is not sold as a stunt session. Its appeal is the quiet sense of height and freedom. You are not managing a motor, steering a craft, or jumping alone. The pilot handles the technical side while you experience Davos from above.

That makes this a good first paragliding flight. The calm atmosphere described by people who flew with the company may help if you are nervous. At the same time, anyone looking for an adrenaline-heavy ride should understand that this is a scenic tandem flight, not a guaranteed aerobatic performance.

Photos and video without juggling your phone

Photos and video are included in the price. This is one of the strongest practical features of the outing.

Trying to film a tandem flight yourself is awkward. You have safety instructions to follow, a harness to manage, and a view that changes constantly. With the recording handled for you, you can watch the mountains rather than worry about whether your phone is secure.

The photos and video also give the flight a longer life after you return to Davos. That matters when you are spending more than $200 per person. You are paying for the flight, the pilot, equipment, and organization, but you also leave with a visual record of the occasion.

The provided information does not specify how many photos or how long the video will be, so I would not book expecting a particular number of files. Still, the inclusion is valuable, especially for a first flight or a special trip.

Is $222.07 per person good value?

The price is $222.07 per person. That is a serious spend, particularly once you add the cable car ticket. The total cost is higher than the headline amount, so include the mountain transport when planning your budget.

I think the value depends on what you want from the morning. You receive a private activity, a tandem flight with a FOCA-licensed pilot, the equipment, useful clothing, photos, and video. You are also paying for the mountain setting and the long descent from Jakobshorn.

For a simple viewpoint visit, the price will feel steep. A cable car ride and a mountain walk cost less. But those options do not give you the same time in the air or the same view of Davos from above.

The private format strengthens the value. Only your group participates, so the outing is more personal than a large group adventure. You can ask questions, receive direct instructions, and avoid spending the morning waiting for strangers.

I would compare it with other tandem flights by checking what they include. A cheaper option may charge extra for photos, video, clothing, or transport to the launch site. Here, the excluded cable car is clear, while several useful parts of the activity are already covered.

Who will enjoy this most?

This flight suits you best if you want a memorable Alpine activity without having to learn how to pilot. It works especially well for:

• First-time paragliders who want a supervised introduction
• Couples or friends looking for a private shared activity
• Visitors who value photos and video after the flight
• People with moderate fitness who can follow launch and landing instructions
• Anyone who prefers scenic flight over a large, noisy adventure group

It may not suit you if you dislike early starts, need a fixed schedule, or are uncomfortable with weather-dependent plans. The 8:00 am meeting time is firm enough to shape your whole morning, and the flight may be postponed or canceled if conditions are not suitable.

It is also worth thinking about the cable car cost before booking. The activity price does not cover that ride, so the final bill will be higher than $222.07 per person.

Safety, organization, and the right mindset

The pilots are FOCA licensed, and the equipment used for the tandem flight is supplied. Those details should reassure first-time participants, but you still need to listen carefully and follow the pilot’s directions.

The strongest safety impression comes from the calm, clear preparation described by people who flew with Air-Davos. The organization was praised as smooth, with explanations that helped participants feel ready. Another account described feeling safe from the first meeting at the lower station through the return to the landing area.

You should arrive with a sensible attitude. Mountain flying depends on conditions, and no operator can promise the same view or the same flight atmosphere every day. An overcast start might clear, as it did on one flight, but it might also remain cloudy.

That uncertainty is part of the trade-off. A fixed museum visit works in nearly any weather. Paragliding does not. The reward is a far more unusual view when the conditions cooperate.

Timing, language, and meeting details

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. That should cover the meeting, preparation, cable car access, flight arrangements, and return to the meeting point, but you should keep your schedule flexible rather than booking a tight connection afterward.

The experience is offered in English. It is a private activity, so only your group participates. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the meeting point is Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos.

The flight ends back at the meeting point. That makes planning easier, especially if you have luggage, a train connection, or another Davos activity later in the day. Even so, I would leave extra time after the stated duration because mountain activities can be affected by weather and operating conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If Air-Davos cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

My advice for deciding

Book this experience if you want a personal, scenic first flight and you are comfortable paying for a premium mountain activity. The private setting, licensed pilot, 1,000-meter descent, and included photos and video make it more than a basic ride above Davos.

Before booking, confirm that the 8:00 am start works for your schedule and budget for the separate cable car ticket. Also accept that weather may change the plan. If those conditions suit you, this is a strong choice for a memorable morning in the Alps, with enough flight time to make the journey feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience start?

It starts at Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

What time does the experience begin?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Where does the flight take place?

The morning flight takes off from Jakobshorn mountain in Davos.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is a cable car ticket included?

No. The cable car ticket is not included. Summer reductions may be available with the Davos guest card.

Are photos and video included?

Yes. Photos and video are included with the tandem paragliding experience.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Paragliding equipment and clothing for the flight are provided, including good shoes, a jacket, and gloves.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.