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

From Jakobshorn, you run a few steps and suddenly Davos is below you. The 1,000-meter descent gives you a long, quiet glide over Alpine peaks and valleys, with no engine noise and no free fall. I like that a private pilot handles the technical work, while you simply sit in front and take in the view.

I also like the flexible mood of the flight. You can keep it calm and smooth, or ask for steering practice, spins, and freestyle moves. Pilots such as Robert, Peter, and Beat are praised for making families and first-time flyers feel at ease.

The main drawback is that the flight depends on weather and wind, so the exact airtime is not fixed. You also need to hike 10 to 20 minutes to the launch point, and the advertised two hours includes the cable car ride, preparation, flight, and return rather than two full hours in the air.

Key points to know before booking

• A 1,000-meter descent from Jakobshorn: You launch high above Davos and land near the town center.
• 15 to 35 minutes of airtime: Wind conditions determine how long you remain above the valley.
• A private tandem flight: Your personal pilot manages the glider and flies only with your group.
• A short mountain hike is required: Expect 10 to 20 minutes on foot after taking the cable car.
• You choose the pace: Request a gentle glide, try steering, or ask for more active maneuvers.
• Winter and summer clothing can be supplied: Additional clothes are available if you need them.

From Davos Platz to the Jakobshorn launch site

Your outing begins at the Joyride Paragliding office at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos. This is also the meeting point for the cable car, and the activity ends back in the same general area after landing.

You meet your pilot first, which gives you a chance to ask questions before heading uphill. The flight is private, so you are not sharing the experience with a large mixed group. That matters here. Paragliding feels personal, and having one pilot focused on you and your companions keeps the briefing simple.

From the station, you ride the cable car with your pilot toward Jakobshorn. The lift does more than move you uphill. It gives you your first broad look over Davos and helps you understand the scale of the descent ahead.

The final section is on foot. Allow 10 to 20 minutes for a mountain hike to the launch site. You do not need special skills or extreme fitness, but the operator asks for a moderate level of fitness, and comfortable hiking clothing makes sense.

In summer, think hiking clothes and shoes. In winter, skiing-style clothing is the better choice. Extra clothing can be provided if necessary, which is useful because you may feel cooler at the launch point and during the flight than you did in town.

Preparing the glider at Jakobshorn

At the launch area, your pilot sets up the glider and explains how takeoff works. This is the part where many first-time flyers feel most alert, but the instructions are intended to be straightforward.

You do not leap from a cliff or step into an aircraft. At the signal, you take a few running steps with the pilot, and the glider lifts you from the slope. The short run is one reason moderate fitness is requested, though no technical paragliding skill is required from you.

The pilots receive especially warm praise for their calm, friendly approach. Robert has handled advance planning for families, including adjusting schedules around group size and weight. Peter is the head pilot, and Beat is also mentioned as part of the flying team. That personal attention is a useful sign for anyone nervous about the first few seconds.

The precise launch conditions can change with the wind. Good weather is required, and the operator may cancel or move the booking if conditions are poor. You should keep some flexibility in your schedule rather than treating the flight time as immovable.

15 to 35 minutes above the Swiss Alps

Once airborne, you sit comfortably in front of your pilot. The flight is engine-free, so you hear the air rather than a motor. The experience is described as a smooth glide, not a free-fall drop, which makes it a good introduction to flight for someone who wants height without an aircraft or helicopter.

Your main job is to look around. From the Jakobshorn side of Davos, you can see the town below, the surrounding valleys, and the high Alpine peaks. Because the flight descends roughly 1,000 meters, the view changes gradually as you move toward Davos rather than appearing in one quick burst.

The airtime lasts about 15 to 35 minutes. That range is wide, but it reflects the wind conditions that help a paraglider remain aloft. A calm day may produce a shorter flight, while favorable air can keep you up longer. The total booking time is around two hours, including the meeting, cable car journey, walk, setup, flight, and landing.

I would not book this expecting a stopwatch-perfect 35-minute flight. Book it for the chance to glide above Davos in changing mountain air. The shorter end of the range can still provide a memorable descent, while the longer end gives you more time to absorb the views.

A gentle glide or a little extra action

The default style is calm and controlled. You sit in front of the pilot while the glider gradually loses height. This is the right choice if you want photographs, quiet views, and a first taste of paragliding without extra movement.

If you want more, tell the pilot. You may be shown how to steer the glider, and you can ask for spins or freestyle maneuvers. This gives the same booking two possible personalities: a scenic flight for a family group, or a more active ride for someone keen on thrills.

The operator’s own guidance makes clear that the choice is yours. You do not need to perform any technical task, and you can simply let the pilot fly. That flexibility is one of the strongest features for mixed groups, where one person may want action and another may prefer a steady descent.

Families have used the experience successfully, including children, parents, and multiple members of the same group. Children under 12 are accepted only on request, so families should ask before booking rather than assume a young child can participate.

Landing close to the heart of Davos

The flight ends near the original meeting point in Davos. As with takeoff, you make a few running steps for the landing. Your pilot guides the process, so you are not expected to judge the slope or manage the glider yourself.

Landing close to town is practical. You do not need a long transfer back to your starting point, and the activity finishes in the same general area where you met the pilot. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to and from the Davos meeting point.

The end of the flight is likely to feel quick after the long view from above. You will have spent around two hours on the complete outing, but the actual time in the air is much shorter and controlled by conditions. Plan the rest of your day with that distinction in mind.

What the $252.95 price buys you

At $252.95 per person, this is not a casual add-on for a day in Davos. It is a premium activity, but the price includes a private tandem pilot, cable car access as part of the planned route, the mountain approach, glider setup, flight, and landing assistance.

The private format improves the value for couples, families, or small groups who want the pilot’s full attention. You are not paying to learn paragliding, and you do not need to bring special skills. You are paying for access to a controlled flight with a professional pilot and for a view that would be difficult to get on foot.

The cost is harder to justify if you are looking only for a short thrill. Airtime can be as little as 15 minutes, and souvenir photos cost extra. If photographs matter to you, include that possible additional expense in your planning.

For a once-in-a-trip Alpine experience, I think the price makes sense for people who value the flight itself. For budget-conscious visitors, the booking becomes better value when you are already spending time in Davos and can make use of the cable car ride, mountain views, and two-hour schedule.

Who will enjoy this flight most

This works best for a first-time flyer who wants a real Alpine setting without committing to a course or demanding physical activity. You need enough fitness for the short hike and running steps, but you do not need previous paragliding experience.

It also suits families and couples who want a shared activity with a strong sense of occasion. The private arrangement means your group flies together with its own pilot, and the mood can be adjusted to suit the least confident person.

You may prefer this less if you dislike uncertain schedules. Weather can alter the booking, and airtime varies. It is also not ideal for someone who wants a full day of activity, since the planned duration is about two hours.

The experience suits both quiet sightseers and thrill-seekers, provided both understand the basic format. Start with a smooth glide, then ask the pilot about steering or freestyle movements if conditions allow.

Practical clothing and planning advice

Wear clothing suited to the season and the mountain. Hiking-style clothing is appropriate in summer, while skiing-style clothing is suggested in winter. The provider can supply extra clothes if needed.

Arrive ready for a short uphill walk. The 10 to 20-minute hike is not presented as extreme, but it is part of the route and should not be overlooked when choosing shoes.

The booking is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. You should also remember that no hotel transportation is included. Get yourself to the Joyride Paragliding meeting point in Davos Platz.

The activity is often booked about 30 days ahead. That is useful planning guidance, particularly if your dates in Davos are fixed. Since weather can interfere, a little flexibility is still wise even after you reserve.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Davos tandem flight?

Book it if you want a personal, scenic introduction to paragliding and like the idea of gliding from Jakobshorn to Davos with a professional pilot. The 1,000-meter descent, quiet flight, flexible level of excitement, and short return to town make this a neatly organized mountain experience.

Think twice if your budget is tight, your schedule cannot bend around weather, or you expect 35 minutes of guaranteed airtime. For everyone else, especially families, couples, and first-time flyers, Joyride Paragliding offers a strong mix of scenery, guidance, and choice. Robert, Peter, and Beat bring a human touch to what could otherwise feel like a purely technical activity.

FAQ

How long does the entire paragliding experience take?

The full experience takes 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 be in the air?

Airtime lasts about 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

Where does the activity begin?

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

Where does the flight end?

The flight ends close to the meeting point in Davos, and the activity finishes back at the meeting point area.

Do I need paragliding experience?

No. You do not need special skills or extreme fitness. The pilot handles the flight, though you should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Is a hike required?

Yes. After taking the cable car to the launch area, you hike for about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the takeoff point.

Can children join the flight?

Children under 12 may participate only on request. The activity is private for your group.

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.