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

A tandem paragliding flight that starts at Jakobshorn and ends right in the middle of Davos is a fun, high-altitude way to see the Swiss Alps without any special training. You’ll drop about 1,000 meters in altitude, with 15 to 35 minutes of airtime planned inside an overall 2-hour slot.

What I like most: you fly tandem with your own private pilot, so you’re not juggling gear or technique while you enjoy the views. You’ll also get English instruction and, if you want more action, your pilot may show you how to steer and even try a few maneuvers, with top pilots such as Peter and Beat leading the flying, and Robert helping coordinate smoothly.

One thing to factor in is that it is not a sit-and-go experience, you’ll do a 10 to 20 minute hike up to the launch area, and the flight depends on having good weather and workable wind.

Key highlights before you fly

• Jakobshorn cable car start, then a short hike to the launch
• 1,000 meters of altitude change, with 15 to 35 minutes in the air
• Private tandem flight, no engine noise and no free falling
• Steering and possible freestyle maneuvers if you feel like it
• Landing close to your meeting point, so the day stays easy

Davos Tandem Paragliding: Jakobshorn to town in one smooth ride

If you’re choosing between a scenic train day and something you’ll remember for years, this flight has a simple advantage. It turns Davos scenery into something you can feel. You lift off from Jakobshorn, glide above the valleys and peaks, and then come down into Davos.

The altitude change is the big headline, about 1,000 meters, but the real payoff is how it feels in the air. You are strapped in front of your instructor, and the flight is described as smooth with no engine noise and no sudden free-fall moments. In other words, this is thrilling, but it’s not chaotic.

English-speaking travelers also have a clear plus here. The experience is offered in English, and the pilots focus on making sure you understand what is happening before you take off.

The 2-hour schedule that keeps things simple

Plan for about 2 hours total even though your actual airtime is shorter. That time is used for meeting, getting organized, riding the cable car, hiking to the launch spot, setup, briefing, flying, and then walking a few steps to land near where you started.

You’ll meet at Joyride Paragliding at the Brämabüelstrasse 9 address in Davos Platz. From there, your pilot coordinates the day’s flow with you. If you’re flying with family, that planning matters. In past experiences, Robert has reached out in advance to adjust timing for different family sizes and weights, which is reassuring when you want the day to feel calm rather than rushed.

Because the flight depends on conditions, your 2-hour window gives you room to wait if needed. The goal is not to “force it.” It’s to fly when the wind is right and the weather supports safe, enjoyable flight.

Cable car up Jakobshorn, then a short hike to launch

The start is one of the most scenic parts of the whole day. You don’t just drive straight to a launch point. You take the cable car from Jakobshorn with your pilot, which already puts you into a mountain mindset.

After the cable car, there’s a hike. The walk is typically 10 to 20 minutes up the mountainside to reach the takeoff point. This is worth knowing because it changes what you should wear and how you should pace yourself. You do not need extreme fitness, but you do need to be comfortable walking uphill for that length of time.

In winter, expect cold at elevation. The operator includes additional clothes if necessary, described as skiing-like in winter and hiking-like in summer. Even if you bring your own layers, it helps to know you’ll have options depending on conditions.

Takeoff, airtime, and the pilot-led experience

Once you reach the launch site, your pilot sets up the glider and explains the takeoff. Then you’re ready for the moment you’ve been waiting for. With tandem flying, you are seated comfortably in front of the pilot, so you are not managing the equipment while you learn the feel of airflow.

The flight airtime is 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the wind. That range is normal in mountain aviation, because a good wind can mean smoother gliding and more satisfying control, while weaker or changing wind can shorten time in the air.

A common worry is whether tandem paragliding feels like an abrupt drop. Here, the description stays reassuring: there’s no engine noise and no free falling. You get a smooth glide and time to look around, which is what most people want.

Views above the Swiss Alps, with optional steering and maneuvers

This is one of those experiences where your brain keeps trying to calculate what you’re seeing. You’re far above Davos, and you’re not looking at a postcard angle anymore. You can spot peaks, valleys, and the shape of town from an angle you simply cannot get from the ground.

If you want to keep it chill, you can just enjoy. If you want a bit more hands-on involvement, your pilot can show you how to steer. Some flights also include the option for freestyle maneuvers, which sounds intense but is still guided by your instructor in real time.

A small but important detail: your pilot’s role is not only flying. It’s also communication. English instruction helps because you can actually follow the plan instead of guessing what comes next. In great experiences, pilots like Peter and his colleagues like Beat have been described as both encouraging and fun to fly with, which matters when you’re strapping into something that feels new.

Landing back near Davos Platz, and what to do after

Landing is designed to be convenient. Your flight ends close to the meeting point, and you’ll be back on your feet with just a few steps running to reach the landing area.

That “back near the start” detail is underrated. It helps if you have plans later in the day, like lunch, sightseeing, or just getting out of alpine layers. You’re not stuck traveling to a remote pickup point after you’re done.

If you’re tempted by photos, plan ahead. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they are not included in the standard price. If images matter to you, ask when photos will be available so you can decide right away instead of wondering later.

Price and value: is $252.95 a fair deal?

At $252.95 per person, you’re paying for a private tandem setup, professional pilot time, and the mountain logistics of cable car access plus glider prep at Jakobshorn.

Here’s how I’d judge value for your trip. You are getting:

• Private instruction in the air, not a shared group lesson
• A flight that includes real airtime, about 15 to 35 minutes
• A meaningful vertical change, about 1,000 meters
• English guidance and a pilot-led experience from meet to landing

If you compare this to typical “views only” activities in the Alps, you’re also buying time above the valleys and peaks. That’s the difference between being impressed and being changed by the experience.

One more point: the experience is booked in advance fairly often. The average booking timing is about 30 days in advance, so if you want a particular date, don’t wait until the last week.

Who should book this flight, and who should think twice

This tandem paragliding experience is built for people without skills and without extreme fitness. The requirement is moderate physical fitness, mainly because of that 10 to 20 minute hike to the launch area.

You should feel good about booking if you:

• Want a high-impact Alpine experience without learning gear management
• Can walk uphill for a short stretch
• Are comfortable sitting in a harness and following your pilot’s instructions

You might think twice if you:

• Have limited mobility for uphill walking
• Are very sensitive to cold at elevation, especially in winter
• Expect every day to fly, regardless of weather (wind matters here)

Children under 12 are allowed only on request, so families should contact the operator and confirm in advance rather than assuming a standard age rule.

Weather reality: when wind and conditions decide the plan

This activity requires good weather. That means your flight is not guaranteed for every calendar day, even if you booked. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This is the tradeoff of mountain flying. The upside is that the operator builds the day around safety and flying conditions instead of rushing through a bad setup. You get that smoother, more enjoyable “glide” when wind cooperates.

If you’re traveling with a flexible schedule, you’re in a better position to catch a good window. If your trip is rigid, still book, but keep in mind the alpine weather can shift.

Should you book Davos Absolutely Free Flying Paragliding Tandem?

If you want a Davos highlight that feels genuinely different from cable cars and trail walks, I’d say book it. The biggest reason is simple: it’s a pilot-led tandem flight with clear structure, real airtime, and optional involvement so you can choose how hands-on you want to be.

Book it especially if:

• You’re excited by mountain views but don’t want to learn a new sport
• You like the idea of starting at Jakobshorn and ending back near Davos Platz
• You want the reliability of a private, organized experience in English

Skip or reconsider if:

• You can’t handle a short uphill hike
• You only have one non-negotiable day in Davos and can’t flex for wind and weather

Overall, for the price, you’re buying a well-timed, organized tandem flight where the pilots do the hard work and you get the view. That’s usually the winning formula in the Alps.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the flight?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland (in Davos Platz). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the experience, and how much of that is actual airtime?

The total experience time is about 2 hours. The airtime in the air is typically 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

Do I need any special skills or extreme fitness?

No. You do not need special skills, and you do not need extreme fitness. The tour asks for moderate physical fitness, mainly because you’ll walk up to the launch area.

Is there walking or hiking involved?

Yes. After taking the cable cars with your pilot, you hike about 10 to 20 minutes to the launch site.

Are souvenir photos included?

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

What if the flight is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.