Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

The best part of this Davos experience happens before the ski lifts and mountain paths get busy: you run toward the edge of Jakobshorn and let the morning air carry you above the valley. From that height, the flight gives you wide Alpine views and a dramatic drop of about 1,000 meters.

I like the early start because morning air often makes for pleasant flight conditions, and I like that this is a private activity with a licensed tandem pilot rather than a large group. The included photos and video also mean you can concentrate on the view instead of trying to hold your phone.

The main catch is cost and timing. At $222.07 per person, this is a serious splurge, and you must also pay for the cable car. The 8:00 a.m. meeting time calls for an early start, especially if you are staying outside central Davos.

Key points to know before you book

• Morning launch from Jakobshorn: You fly early, when the air is expected to be pleasant and the mountain light is often at its best.
• About 1,000 meters of height difference: The flight gives you a true mountain-to-valley perspective rather than a short scenic hop.
• Private tandem setup: Only your own group takes part, with personal attention from a FOCA-licensed pilot.
• Martin is a calm choice: One named pilot, Martin, is praised for giving first-time flyers a strong sense of security.
• Photos and video are included: You receive a record of the flight without needing to manage a camera in the air.
• Cable car costs extra: Budget separately for the ride up Jakobshorn, though a guest card may provide a summer reduction.

Starting the day at 8:00 a.m. in Davos

You meet at Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos at 8:00 a.m. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in town and do not have a car. Since the activity ends back at the meeting point, the morning is tidy and easy to fit into a larger day in Davos.

That early time is not just a scheduling quirk. Paragliding depends on weather and air conditions, and the operator chooses the morning for its generally pleasant flying conditions. You also get the soft light of the early day, when the surrounding peaks can look especially crisp.

I would keep your schedule flexible after the flight. The activity lasts about one hour and 45 minutes, but mountain weather can affect timing. Do not book a tight train connection or a fixed morning appointment immediately afterward.

You should also arrive ready for a mountain activity, not dressed as if you were simply walking around town. Good shoes, a jacket, and gloves are included for the flight, which is useful because the air can feel cool even when Davos feels mild below.

Reaching Jakobshorn and preparing for takeoff

The flight departs from Jakobshorn, one of Davos’s main mountain areas. The cable car ticket is not included in the price, so you need to allow for that extra expense. In summer, the Davos guest card may provide a reduction, which makes it worth checking your accommodation benefits before you pay.

The supplied details do not specify exactly how long the cable car ride or ground preparation takes. What you can count on is that the activity begins in Davos, moves up to the launch area, and returns to the original meeting point at the end.

At the mountain, your pilot provides the equipment and goes over the practical steps. You do not need to bring paragliding gear. The included equipment, clothing, and tandem arrangement remove much of the usual fuss for a first flight.

This is a useful point for nervous beginners. You are not expected to operate the paraglider alone. A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot controls the flight, while you follow the instructions for the launch and landing.

The private format matters here. You are not waiting behind a large group or sharing the pilot’s attention with strangers. Your group receives a more personal briefing, and you can ask questions before leaving the ground.

The launch and the feeling of free flight

The most active part of the experience is the takeoff. You and the pilot work together to get the paraglider moving, then the ground falls away and the flight begins. The operator describes the experience as a morning flight from Jakobshorn, with the valley and peaks opening out beneath you.

For many first-time flyers, the first moments are the most intense. That is where a calm pilot can make a real difference. Martin, one of the pilots named in the feedback, is specifically praised for his relaxed manner and for helping a first-time passenger feel secure.

That sort of reassurance is worth more than flashy talk. Paragliding is meant to feel exciting, but you should not have to spend the whole flight wondering what the pilot is doing. The available feedback repeatedly points to clear explanations, a relaxed atmosphere, and a professional approach.

The flight is a tandem ride, so your job is mainly to follow instructions and enjoy the view. You may feel a burst of nerves at takeoff, but the overall experience is designed for people without solo paragliding training.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. That does not mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable taking part in the launch and landing and moving around a mountain setting. Anyone with concerns about their physical ability should ask the operator before booking.

Looking down from a 1,000-meter height difference

The big payoff is the scale. A total height difference of about 1,000 meters gives you a powerful sense of the mountain’s size. You are not simply looking across at a peak from a viewing platform. You are suspended above the valley, with Jakobshorn behind you and the terrain dropping away below.

The views vary with the weather, but the setting can include snow-capped peaks and broad Alpine scenery. One particularly striking flight took place after overcast skies began to open, allowing a rainbow to appear during the ride. That sort of moment cannot be promised, but it shows why weather changes can sometimes add to the experience rather than ruin it.

The morning timing also helps with the mood of the flight. The light is gentler, the air may be smoother, and the mountain can feel quieter than later in the day. I like this more than a late afternoon flight for a first visit because it leaves you with the rest of the day to explore Davos.

Do keep expectations sensible. No paragliding operator can promise clear peaks, a rainbow, or a particular flight path. The experience requires good weather, and the final conditions have a major effect on what you see.

A private flight with a licensed pilot

Air-Davos provides a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot, along with the equipment needed for the flight. FOCA licensing refers to the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation, so this is an important safety credential to look for in a Swiss tandem experience.

The private arrangement is one of the strongest features for the price. Only your group participates, which gives the activity a more personal feel and avoids the rushed atmosphere that can come with a large commercial outing.

The named feedback gives useful clues about the staff. Martin is described as calm and reassuring, while the team as a whole is praised for professional organization and clear explanations. Another account describes feeling safe from the first meeting at the valley station through the return to the landing area.

That does not mean every flight will feel identical. Your pilot may be someone else, and weather will shape the ride. Still, the consistent picture is of an operator that puts safety and clear communication ahead of showmanship.

English is offered, which is helpful for international visitors. The information does not promise other languages as part of the booking, so English-speaking support is the safe assumption when you plan.

Photos and video without the phone juggling

Photos and video are included, and that is a real advantage. You can keep your hands and attention free during the flight rather than worrying about dropping a phone or missing the best view while trying to film.

For an experience that costs $222.07, the media package helps improve the value. You are paying for the pilot, equipment, and flight itself, but the photos and video also give you something lasting to take home.

The available details do not say how many images you receive, what camera system is used, or how the files are delivered. I would not book this expecting a specific number of edited photographs or a cinematic production. Think of it as a useful visual record of your flight.

The included clothing is also practical. Good shoes, a jacket, and gloves are provided for the ride, so you have fewer items to pack. Even so, I would arrive in comfortable clothes suited to changing mountain temperatures.

Is $222.07 a fair price?

This is not a bargain activity. The $222.07 price per person is before the cable car ticket, so the full cost is higher. If you are counting every Swiss franc, that extra transport charge matters.

The value becomes stronger if you want a private experience with a licensed pilot and want photos and video included. A basic flight without media or personal attention may cost less, but this package combines several useful elements into one morning.

I would compare the price with your trip priorities. If you are visiting Davos for several days and want one memorable mountain experience, the flight can justify a larger share of your budget. If your main goal is simply to see Jakobshorn, the cable car and a mountain walk will cost less and give you more time at the top.

The early departure also gives the package practical value. You are not losing a whole day to the activity. Once you return to Bahnhofstrasse, you can continue with lunch, hiking, sightseeing, or another Davos plan.

The private format is especially valuable for couples, families, or small groups who want to share one clear experience. Since only your group participates, you avoid the social uncertainty of being paired with a large collection of strangers.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor. In that case, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also means you should avoid treating this as a fixed-weather activity during a tightly packed itinerary.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

I would book this early in your Davos stay rather than on your final morning. That gives you a chance to move the flight if weather interrupts the original plan. It also gives you a better chance of enjoying the activity without worrying about a same-day departure.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is mobile. The meeting point is near public transportation, but you still need to plan the trip to Jakobshorn and the separate cable car payment.

Who will enjoy this most?

This flight suits a first-time paraglider who wants a guided, controlled introduction rather than a solo lesson. The pilot handles the technical work, and the included clothing, equipment, photos, and video make the morning easy to manage.

It is also a strong choice for anyone who values views more than speed. The appeal is the open Alpine setting and the feeling of floating above Davos, not a long list of ground activities.

You should be comfortable with an early start, a mountain launch, and a moderate level of physical effort. It is not the best pick if you dislike heights, cannot take part in the takeoff and landing, or need a fully fixed schedule.

I also think it works well for a special occasion. The rainbow sighting described in one flight cannot be guaranteed, but the scale of Jakobshorn and the included video give the experience a lasting quality beyond a normal sightseeing ride.

Should you book the Davos Early Bird flight?

Book it if you want a private morning adventure, have room in your budget, and like the idea of seeing Davos from far above the valley. The combination of a FOCA-licensed pilot, about 1,000 meters of height difference, included media, and early mountain light makes this more than a simple amusement ride.

Before paying, check the cable car cost, confirm that the 8:00 a.m. start fits your plans, and leave a weather buffer in your schedule. If those details work for you, Air-Davos offers a well-supported first paragliding experience with a strong focus on calm instruction and personal attention.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience take place?

The activity begins in Davos, with the flight departing from Jakobshorn mountain. You meet at Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, and return to that meeting point at the end.

What time does the activity start?

The meeting and start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately one hour and 45 minutes.

Is the cable car ticket included?

No. The cable car ticket is not included in the price. In summer, reductions may be available with the Davos guest card.

What is included in the price?

The package includes a tandem paragliding ride, flight equipment, a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot, photos, video, and clothing such as good shoes, a jacket, and gloves.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity.

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. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.