Davos Ski And Fly (Video & Photos Included)

From the snowy launch slopes of Jakobshorn, you ski a few meters beside your pilot and then leave the mountain on a tandem paraglider. It is a rare Davos combination: part ski outing, part scenic flight, and part controlled rush of G-force and open air.

I like two things right away. First, you do not need paragliding training because a pilot handles the flight and gives you a briefing before takeoff. Second, the roughly 1,000-meter height difference gives you time to look across Davos rather than simply blast through a short amusement ride.

The main catch is that this is not a complete ski package. Your cable-car ticket, transport, and skiing equipment are not included, and the flight depends on suitable weather. If wind or visibility turns poor, your schedule may need to change.

Key points to know before takeoff

• Skiing becomes the launch: You ski straight for a few meters with the pilot before the paraglider lifts.
• The flight starts high on Jakobshorn: The cable car carries you from Davos to the mountain launch area.
• Martin is one named pilot: He is praised for calm instruction, technical skill, and flexible help when weather forces a change.
• Equipment is supplied: The paragliding gear and tandem pilot are included, but skis and other ski equipment are not.
• Weather controls the day: The pilot chooses the launch site after checking wind and conditions at the top.
• You need moderate fitness: Passenger weight must be between 40 and 115 kilograms, and children aged 14 and under are not recommended.

From Davos valley station to Jakobshorn launch

Your meeting point is at Brämabüelstrasse 11 in Davos, at the valley station of the Jakobshorn cable car. This is an important detail because the flight does not begin at the town level. You first need to reach the lift station and then ride up to the mountain.

The cable-car ticket is not included. That extra cost matters when you compare the tour with other Davos activities, so check the current lift price before booking and allow time to buy or collect your ticket. Transportation to and from the attractions is also your responsibility.

At the top, the pilot checks the wind and weather before choosing the launch site. You may meet at the main valley station, or, by request, arrange to meet on Jakobshorn within the ski area. That option could be useful if you are already skiing, but the supplied details do not specify how the meeting arrangement affects timing or access, so confirm it with Air-Davos Paragliding.

The mountain setting does much of the work here. Even before you fly, the launch sites offer broad views of the Swiss Alps and Davos. I like that the pilot does not treat the launch point as fixed. The final choice responds to the conditions on the day, which is a practical safety measure rather than a minor scheduling detail.

The briefing turns a nervous start into a clear one

Before you leave the snow, your pilot explains the tandem flight, including the launch and landing procedures. You should listen closely, especially to the instructions for the first ski run. The takeoff depends on moving together, so this is not the moment to improvise.

The basic start is simple to picture. You ski straight for a few meters alongside the pilot, and the paraglider takes you into the air. You do not need to manage the wing or steer the route yourself. The pilot is responsible for the flight, while you follow the directions for the launch and landing.

That makes this a good first paragliding outing for someone who wants the sensation of flight without taking a course first. It is still an active experience, not a chairlift ride with a view. You need enough fitness to ski the launch, cooperate with the pilot, and handle the landing instructions.

Air-Davos provides the paragliding equipment. You do not need to buy a harness, wing, or other flight gear for this one activity. Your own ski equipment is not provided, however, so ask the operator exactly what you need to bring or rent before you arrive.

A tandem flight with room to enjoy Davos

Once airborne, you have a high view over the Davos area and the surrounding Swiss mountains. The flight is described as lasting about 20 minutes at the scenic stop, while the full activity takes roughly two hours. The flight time can vary with weather and flying conditions, so treat those figures as approximate.

The height difference is around 1,000 meters. That gives the flight a proper sense of distance and allows time to look around. You may also feel the pull of turns and the changing pressure of the flight, which helps explain the mention of G-force in the tour description.

I would choose this over a standard mountain viewpoint if you want the view to be part of the activity rather than the whole point of it. You are not simply standing at the top and taking a photograph. You are moving from the ski area into the air, with the valley opening below.

At the same time, do not book it only for sightseeing. The flight is described as exhilarating, and the turns can add a physical rush. If you want a quiet, motionless panorama, a mountain terrace will suit you better. If you want a controlled thrill with an expert pilot, this is the stronger choice.

The experience ends back at the meeting point. The details do not specify an exact landing location or the precise return arrangement, so confirm how you get from the landing area back to the start point when you meet the operator.

What Martin and the Air-Davos team add

The named pilot Martin receives especially strong praise for his instruction, professionalism, and calm handling of the flight. One particularly useful detail is his flexibility when poor weather forced a change of date. The flight was moved without trouble, allowing the passenger to return in better winter conditions.

That flexibility matters in paragliding. You can plan a two-hour window, but you cannot order the wind to cooperate. A pilot who communicates clearly and takes conditions seriously is more valuable than a rigid promise to fly at any cost.

Martin is also described as having many years of flying experience and a genuine passion for the sport. Another account describes him helping a former flyer feel connected to the activity again after more than 27 years away. You should not read that as a promise that every flight will have the same emotional effect, but it does point to a guide who can work with both newcomers and people who already understand flying.

The available feedback also repeatedly highlights friendly communication, clear instruction, and a strong feeling of safety. Those are the qualities I would value most here. The scenery may bring you to Jakobshorn, but the pilot determines how comfortable the launch and flight feel.

Why the weather policy deserves attention

The activity runs only in favorable weather. At the top, the pilot checks the wind and conditions and selects the most suitable launch site. This approach can make the day less predictable, but it is the right trade-off for an outdoor flight.

If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The normal cancellation policy also allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

I would leave room in your Davos schedule instead of placing this on the final morning before departure. A flexible plan gives you a better chance of flying if wind or weather disrupts the first date. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not wait until the last minute if your travel dates are tight.

The real price is more than the displayed $0

The listed tour price is shown as $0.00, but that does not mean the complete outing costs nothing. The cable-car ticket is excluded, as are transport and skiing equipment. The tandem pilot, paragliding ride, and paragliding equipment are included.

Because of that unusual price display, I would confirm the final payable amount with Air-Davos Paragliding before booking. The value depends on what you already have. If you are staying in Davos, can reach the Jakobshorn station easily, and already have ski gear, the package covers the most specialized part of the day: the tandem flight and pilot.

If you need to rent skis and pay for the lift separately, your total cost rises. That does not make the flight poor value, but it changes the comparison. You are paying for a private activity with only your group participating, rather than joining a large flight or sightseeing group.

The private format is another advantage. You are not sharing the flight experience with a crowd, and the briefing can focus on your needs. The supplied details do not give a maximum group size or a fixed departure schedule, so ask about those points if your party includes more than one passenger.

Who should book this Davos activity?

I would recommend it to an adult or older teenager who wants a memorable mountain activity and is comfortable with a short ski launch. It suits an active couple, a small private group, or someone looking for a distinctive gift. The passenger weight range is 40 to 115 kilograms, and the activity is not recommended for children aged 14 and under.

You need moderate physical fitness. The tour does not require you to be a trained paraglider, but you do need to participate in the launch and landing process. If you are uneasy on skis, ask the operator for more detail before committing.

This is also a good fit for someone who has already seen Davos from hiking trails, ski runs, or cable-car viewpoints and wants a different angle. The flight gives you a view from above while adding real motion and a little controlled fear.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a strict, tightly packed itinerary. Weather can force a postponement, and the two-hour estimate does not include every part of getting to the lift station, riding up, or arranging your return from the landing area. Build in extra time and keep another plan ready.

Practical questions to settle before you go

Use the confirmation period to check the details that affect your day. Ask where you should meet if you want to start from within the ski area, what ski clothing or equipment you need, and how the return to the meeting point works after landing.

Remember that mobile ticketing is available, but mobile access does not cover the separate cable-car ticket. Keep the booking details easy to reach and arrive ready for a weather decision at the top.

The pilot supplies the flight equipment, but you should not assume that skis, boots, helmets, or other snow gear are included. Those items are specifically outside the package, so arrange them in advance if needed.

Should you book the Jakobshorn ski and fly?

Book it if you want a private, pilot-led flight that begins with a genuine ski launch and gives you a broad view of Davos from the air. The clear briefing, supplied paragliding gear, and strong praise for Martin’s calm, professional approach make it appealing for first-time tandem flyers.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed departure, dislike heights or motion, or do not want to pay separately for the cable car and ski equipment. For everyone else, this is one of Davos’s more unusual ways to use the mountain, provided you keep your schedule flexible and accept that the wind gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the Davos ski and fly experience start?

It starts at Brämabüelstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, at the valley station of the Jakobshorn cable car.

How do I reach the launch area?

The Jakobshorn cable car takes you from the valley station to the top of Jakobshorn, where the launch sites are located.

Is the cable-car ticket included?

No. The cable-car ticket is not included in the activity price.

Is skiing equipment included?

No. Skiing equipment is not included. The paragliding equipment is provided, but ski gear must be arranged separately.

Do I need paragliding experience?

No. You fly tandem with a pilot who gives you a detailed briefing and guides the flight.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity takes approximately two hours. The scenic flight portion is described as about 20 minutes, although timing can depend on conditions.

What passenger weight range is accepted?

Passengers must weigh between 40 and 115 kilograms.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity is subject to favorable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.