Davos: Tandem Paragliding Flight

Davos tandem paragliding is interesting because you get to swap comfy trail walking for a real pilot-led flight, with the mountain doing most of the work. You ride the Jakobshornbahn cable car up, then launch into open air from one of the region’s best spots, talking with your pilot as you fly.

I especially like two things about this experience. First, you’re paired with an experienced Davos pilot team built on decades of local know-how. Second, you get flight pictures that make it easier to relive the moment instead of wondering if that giant grin is real.

The main consideration is simple: you need enough fitness for a short run at launch, plus you should dress for cold mountain air. If you hate wind, or you’re unsure about your footing, take that seriously before you go.

Key points worth knowing before you fly

• Jakobshorn summit access by cable car means a smooth start, then a big payoff once you launch
• Wind checks before takeoff help your pilot pick a suitable launch site and keep the flight calm
• Multiple launch options below the summit, from Jatzhütte, or from Brämabüel can change your route and feel
• You can steer or just glide, and you can tell your pilot what you want from the experience
• Flight pictures included so you leave with proof, not just a memory

Why Davos Tandem Paragliding Feels So Practical

If you’ve ever looked at a mountain and thought, I want to be up there, this is the shortcut. You do not need to learn the whole sport first. Instead, you get a tandem flight with the pilot handling the technical parts, while you focus on the feeling: that light, free air moment that’s hard to describe until you’re in it.

This is also a good value setup because your “big steps” are bundled. You get flight equipment, your pilot, and the whole flow from valley station to summit and back to Davos. At $245 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, you’re paying for more than a ride. You’re paying for safety planning, time, gear, and an experienced team who knows how to work the local launch areas.

The day stays conversational too. Before, during, and after the cable car ride, you’ll have time to ask questions and get a real sense of what paragliding is like. That matters, because feeling informed makes your nerves drop fast.

Getting Started at Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz

Your day starts at the valley station of the Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz. That’s a simple, clear meeting point, and it sets the tone: this isn’t a complicated scavenger hunt. You meet your pilot team, then get oriented before you start climbing.

What I like about this start is that you’re not rushed into the gear right away. You can talk first. You can ask what you should expect. And since the flight is tandem, the pilot can tailor the flight style to your comfort level from the start.

You’ll also want to think about shoes early. The flight itself involves a bit of walking and a few steps during launch. Good grip matters, especially on cold or slightly slick surfaces.

The Cable Car Ride That Turns Questions Into Confidence

Next comes the Jakobshorn summit ride using the cable car in two sections. This is not just transport. It’s your warm-up session, both mentally and practically.

You’ll have enough time to discuss questions before the summit and while you’re going up. This is where you learn what “wind” really means in paragliding terms, and why your pilot cares so much about conditions. It also gives you a chance to tell your pilot what you want, like whether you prefer a calmer glide or more of an active-feeling flight.

If you’re traveling with baggage, there’s a nice bonus: free luggage storage is included. That means you can travel lighter and keep the morning stress down. You’re still going to dress for weather, but you won’t be juggling bags all day.

Wind Checks and Launch Choices From Jakobshorn’s Top

At the summit, your pilot checks the wind situation. That part is big. Paragliding is one of those activities where the “wow” is built on careful planning behind the scenes.

Once your pilot understands the conditions, the flight starts getting more specific. Normally your guides begin your flight either directly below the summit, from Jatzhütte, or from Brämabüel. That’s useful to know because it tells you the flight is not one single fixed route. Your launch site can shift based on what the conditions look like that day.

At this stage, you’ll also notice the rhythm of professional guiding. Your pilot prepares the material and connects you with the apparatus. The setup is where you feel the difference between a casual demo and a serious, practiced operation.

Gear Up, Then The Short Run Into Air

Once you’re connected, it’s time for launch. You begin with running together with your pilot. This is not a long sprint. It’s a quick coordinated move, then suddenly the ground slips away.

Here’s the reality check that helps: you’re not doing anything complicated. Your job is to keep moving when your pilot cues you, and then let your body do what it’s built for. You’ll be in the air before you have time to overthink it.

During the flight, you can talk easily with your pilot. That’s a big deal for first-timers. Instead of feeling like you’re stuck in silence, you’re able to ask questions and react in real time. Tell your pilot your wishes, and you’ll get a flight that matches your comfort level.

Flying: Steering When You Want, Gliding When You Don’t

One of the best parts of this experience is control, in a beginner-friendly way. You can steer yourself, or you can simply glide and enjoy the view.

That choice matters. Some people want to feel hands-on, even if it’s gentle. Others just want to float and soak in the feeling. Because you’re tandem, your pilot can guide the experience either way.

This is also why the cable car portion helps. You start the flight already calm, because you’ve had time to understand what happens next. When you launch, it feels like the natural next step, not a jump into the unknown.

Landing in Davos and Leaving With Photos

Your landing site will be located in Davos, and that’s how the experience ends. The final phase is usually where people realize they’ve had the adrenaline, the view, and the calm, all in one package.

One more highlight is included: you receive incredible pictures of your flight. That’s not a tiny add-on. For something this memorable, photos turn it from a story you tell into evidence you can actually share.

If you’re a photo person, plan to enjoy the end of your flight like you would a good museum stop, not like a check-out line. The moment is done fast, but the pictures help you keep it alive a lot longer.

Price and Value: What $245 Covers, and What Might Add On

Let’s talk money with your time in mind. The price is $245 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience. For that, you get your tandem flight, flight equipment, and free luggage storage. You also get help with appropriate clothes and shoes if required, which matters because cold weather can ruin your comfort even if the air is perfect.

The one potential add-on is the cable car ticket. It’s not included, but in summer the Davos Klosters guest card can cover the cable car ticket. If you have that card, you may pay less out of pocket. If you do not, expect to handle the cable car ticket separately.

Is $245 worth it? For most people, it is when you price it like this: you’re paying for an expert pilot team, safety planning, gear, and the whole mountain logistics. This is not an activity where you bring your own equipment or self-guide. The value is in the pilot and the mountain run-up that makes takeoff possible.

Who This Tandem Paragliding Flight Is Best For

This is best for people who want the feeling of flying without the learning curve. You’ll enjoy it if you like active travel, you like views, and you don’t need to do everything on your own.

It’s also a strong fit if you’re curious about how paragliding works. You’ll get insight into the world of paragliding during the day, not just the final thrill. That makes it more than a one-time adrenaline hit.

A possible mismatch is if you’re worried about basic movement. You need a normal level of fitness, and launch includes running a few steps together with your pilot. If that sounds like a problem, you should think twice before booking.

What to Wear in Davos for a Cold Air Adventure

Warm clothes are not optional here. You’re up on the summit, and you’ll be outside for parts of the experience. Plan on warm outdoor clothing, good shoes, and sunglasses.

I also suggest you bring a little extra warmth than you think you need. Paragliding is exposed time, and the wind can make temperatures feel sharper than they do on the valley streets.

If you’re the type who hates hats in the wind, wear one anyway, but make sure it stays put. The experience is about comfort as much as excitement.

Language, Group Size, and How Personal It Feels

The instruction languages are German and English, so communication should be straightforward.

You’ll also be in a private group, which changes the vibe. Instead of feeling like you’re waiting your turn with a large mix of strangers, it tends to feel more personal. That helps on a first flight, because you can ask your questions without the feeling of time pressure.

In day-to-day terms, this means the pilot can focus on your needs and your comfort level more directly. It also makes the flight feel less like a production and more like a guided experience.

Should You Book This Tandem Flight?

If you want an unforgettable Swiss mountain moment with professional help, you should seriously consider booking. This is a well-structured experience: meet at Jakobshornbahn, ride up, get wind and launch planning, fly tandem, land in Davos, and take home pictures. That clean flow is exactly what you want when you’re trying something new.

Book it if:

• you’re comfortable doing a short run during launch
• you want a pilot-guided flight where you can steer or just glide
• you like the idea of learning the basics while you’re already in the air

Skip it if:

• you’re not confident in your footing or mobility for a short launch run
• you strongly dislike cold weather and you’re unlikely to dress warmly

FAQ

Where do I meet my tandem paragliding pilot?

You meet your pilot at the valley station of the Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz.

How long does the tandem paragliding experience last?

The duration is listed as 2 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included in the price?

The included items are the tandem flight, flight equipment, free luggage storage, and appropriate clothes and shoes if required.

Is the cable car ticket included?

The cable car ticket is not included. In summer, it is included with the Davos Klosters guest card.

What languages are available for instruction?

The instructor and pilot team can communicate in German and English.

What fitness level do I need?

A normal level of fitness is required, and you should wear warm outdoor clothes and good shoes. Sunglasses are recommended too.