Klosters Tandem Paragliding Flight from Gotschna

From the top of Gotschna, you take a few running steps and suddenly the ground drops away beneath you. The payoff is a quiet glide above Klosters and Davos, with your pilot seated behind you and no engine noise to spoil the Alpine air. I like the private format and the fact that the flight requires no special skill. You simply follow the takeoff instructions and let your pilot handle the technical work.

I also like the practical touches: free loaner clothing and sturdy shoes, plus a place to leave baggage before heading uphill. The main consideration is that the cable-car fare is not included, and flight time depends on wind conditions. You should also be comfortable with a short mountain hike and a few running steps at takeoff and landing.

Key points at a glance

• A 1,000-meter descent: Fly from Gotschna Mountain down to Klosters with wide views toward Davos and the surrounding Alps.
• 15 to 35 minutes in the air: Wind conditions determine the exact flight length.
• Private pilot for your group: You fly with one personal instructor rather than in a large group.
• Simple physical demands: You need moderate fitness for a 10 to 20-minute uphill walk and short runs at takeoff and landing.
• Clothing is available at no extra cost: Joyride can lend suitable winter or summer gear, including sturdy shoes.
• Four departure times: Several start options make it easier to fit the flight into a day in Klosters.

The Gotschna flight in plain English

This is a classic tandem paragliding setup. You meet your pilot at the Gotschna cable-car station near Klosters Platz railway station, then ride up toward the mountain launch site together.

At the top, you hike for about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the actual takeoff area. Your pilot lays out the glider, checks the equipment, and explains exactly what you need to do. The key instruction is simple: run a few steps when told. After that, the glider catches the air and you are sitting comfortably in front of your pilot.

The height difference between launch and landing is about 1,000 meters. The full appointment takes around two hours, but actual airtime is usually 15 to 30 minutes, with the possibility of up to 35 minutes in suitable wind. That distinction matters. You are booking a mountain activity with transport, preparation, and walking, not two hours of continuous flight.

Meeting at Klosters Platz

The meeting point is Gotschnastrasse 19, 7250 Klosters Platz, close to the railway station and the Gotschna cable cars. This is a useful location because you do not need hotel pickup, and the activity ends back at the same general meeting point.

Arrive ready to switch into borrowed gear if needed. You can leave baggage at the Joyride office, which is much easier than carrying a suitcase or a large daypack up to the launch point. If you are flying in winter, the operator can provide skiing-style clothing. In summer, the available clothing is more like hiking gear.

The choice of four departure times gives you some control over your day. Still, paragliding is weather-dependent, so keep your schedule flexible around the flight. If you are planning a train connection or another timed activity immediately afterward, allow extra breathing room.

Riding the cable car to Gotschna

The cable-car ride is part of the experience, but its cost is separate from the flight. In summer, a Davos Klosters guest card may cover the cable car, so check the conditions of your card before you pay.

Your pilot rides with you and continues the briefing as you gain height. This is a good arrangement for first-time flyers because you are not left to figure out where to go or what happens next. The whole outing is private for your group, although the cable car itself is a public mountain transport service.

The ride also gives you time to look out across the Klosters and Davos area before the flight begins. The views change once you leave the station and reach the open mountain, but the cable car helps set the scene for the descent.

The 10 to 20-minute walk to launch

The last stretch is not a long hike, but it is still a real mountain walk. You should have a moderate level of fitness and be able to walk uphill over uneven ground for 10 to 20 minutes.

This is where the loaner shoes matter. Paragliding does not require extreme fitness, but slippery city footwear would be a poor choice. Ask for the available sturdy shoes if your own footwear is not suitable.

The walk is also the one part of the activity that may feel less effortless than the final glide. If you are nervous about the flight, the short hike gives you time to ask questions and get used to your pilot. The pace is manageable for most people with moderate fitness, but you should not book this expecting a ride from the cable car directly to the glider.

Takeoff with Robert, Tizziano, or another Joyride pilot

At the launch point, your pilot prepares the canopy and explains the takeoff sequence. The company team includes Robert and Tizziano, names connected with the warm, encouraging style of this operation.

You do not need prior paragliding experience. Your job is to follow the instructions, take a few steps, and keep moving as the glider fills with air. The moment feels more like a controlled run into the wind than a dramatic jump from a cliff.

That difference is important for people who are worried about free fall. The description of the flight is a smooth glide, not a drop. You sit in front of the pilot, while the pilot controls the glider and manages the flight.

The takeoff still requires some nerve. You are leaving the ground, and you will need to run briefly. But you are not expected to understand the equipment or operate it alone. The private instruction helps keep the process clear and personal.

A quiet glide above Klosters and Davos

Once airborne, you sit in the harness in front of your pilot and look outward over the Alpine scenery. There is no engine noise, so the flight has a calm, open-air quality that you do not get from a helicopter or powered aircraft.

The route drops from Gotschna toward Klosters. You gain a broad view over the valley and toward Davos, with the exact character of the flight shaped by the day’s wind. The airtime can be as short as 15 minutes or extend to 30 or 35 minutes when conditions allow.

That variation is not a flaw, but it is worth understanding before booking. You are paying for a tandem flight in suitable flying conditions, not a fixed number of minutes guaranteed in the sky. Wind is part of the activity, and the pilot decides how to make the most of it.

The strongest appeal here is the sense of quiet. You are high above the valley, but the experience is not built around speed or loud machinery. It is a gentle way to see the Klosters area from an angle that cable cars and hiking paths cannot provide.

Steering and optional freestyle action

After you are comfortable in the air, you can ask your pilot to let you steer the glider. This is optional. You can simply enjoy the ride while your pilot handles everything, or try a small part of the flying under direct supervision.

If you want more excitement, the pilot may also show you freestyle maneuvers. This is where the experience can be adjusted to suit your mood. A first-time flyer who wants a calm scenic ride can keep things gentle. Someone looking for more motion can ask for extra action.

Be clear with your pilot about what you want. The flight is private, so there is no need to match another person’s comfort level. A private activity is especially useful here because the experience can be shaped around your group rather than a mixed party.

Landing near the original meeting point

The flight ends close to the meeting point, which keeps the logistics simple. You will make a few running steps again as the glider lands. As with takeoff, listen carefully and follow your pilot’s instructions.

The landing is not described as a hard impact or a long run. Still, you should be ready to move your feet for a few steps rather than expect to be lowered gently into a chair. Comfortable clothing and suitable shoes help here.

Ending near the starting point also means you can collect your baggage without arranging another transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so this central return point is useful if you are staying in Klosters or arriving by train.

What the $251.08 price includes

At $251.08 per person, this is not a low-cost mountain ride. The price makes more sense when you look at what is included: a personal tandem pilot, the flight itself, preparation and instruction, and additional clothing if needed.

The main extra cost is the cable car. Souvenir photographs are also available to buy, but they are not included. If you want to keep the price under control, treat the photos as optional rather than part of the required package.

The value depends on how much you want the flight itself. You are not paying only for a view. You are paying for a private aerial activity, professional equipment, personal instruction, and the chance to control the level of excitement. For someone who has always wanted to paraglide, that can justify the price. For someone mainly seeking a cheap mountain panorama, the cable car or a hike will offer better value.

The five-star rating from 23 recorded reviews and a 100 percent recommendation rate suggest a strong satisfaction record. One particularly enthusiastic booking was a Christmas gift flight for a couple, with a sunset flight praised for clear instructions and a joyful approach from Robert and Tizziano. Sunset and winter conditions can be special, but they also make warm clothing and flexible timing more important.

Who should book this flight

I would recommend this activity to you if you want a memorable Alpine experience without learning to fly a glider yourself. It suits couples, families with children aged 12 or older, and small groups that want a private outing.

It is also a good choice for people who dislike noisy sightseeing aircraft. The flight is quiet and slow enough to let you look around, yet you can request steering or freestyle moves if you want a stronger thrill.

You should think twice if you dislike heights, cannot manage a 10 to 20-minute mountain walk, or are looking for a tightly timed activity. The operator lists moderate physical fitness as necessary, and the flight length changes with the wind.

The minimum age is 12. The supplied information does not state a maximum weight, medical restriction, or specific accessibility arrangement, so contact Joyride before booking if any of those points affect you.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English. It is usually reserved about 14 days ahead, which gives you a useful planning guide during busy periods.

The free cancellation deadline is 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel earlier for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Because weather affects airtime, choose a time that leaves room for flexibility. Four departure options can help, but you should still avoid putting an important train, flight, or dinner reservation too close to the end of the two-hour appointment.

Should you book the Klosters Gotschna flight?

Book it if you want a personal, quiet flight with big views and a manageable level of adventure. The short hike, loaner clothing, private pilot, and return to the meeting point make the day easier than the price alone might suggest.

Skip it if the cable-car supplement strains your budget or if you want a guaranteed flight duration. For everyone else, this is a focused way to experience Klosters from above, with enough guidance for a first flight and enough optional action to keep experienced thrill-seekers interested.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding activity begin?

You meet at Gotschnastrasse 19, 7250 Klosters Platz, Switzerland, near the railway station and Gotschna cable cars.

Where does the flight end?

The activity ends back near the original meeting point in Klosters.

How long does the full activity take?

The full appointment takes about two hours, including the cable-car ride, walk to launch, preparation, flight, and return.

How long are you in the air?

Airtime is usually 15 to 30 minutes and can reach about 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

How high is the flight route?

The flight descends about 1,000 meters from the top of Gotschna Mountain to Klosters.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. You fly with a personal tandem pilot, and the pilot explains the takeoff and manages the glider.

What age is required?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Do I need to be very fit?

No extreme fitness is required, but you should have moderate physical fitness for a 10 to 20-minute walk to the launch site and short running steps during takeoff and landing.

Are clothes and shoes provided?

Suitable extra clothing is available at no charge. The operator can provide skiing-style clothing in winter and hiking-style clothing in summer, along with sturdy shoes if needed.

Is the cable car included in the price?

No. Cable-car fees are separate. In summer, the ride may be free with a Davos Klosters guest card.

Are photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.