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

From Jakobshorn, you take a few running steps and suddenly the town of Davos is far below. This private tandem flight gives you 15 to 35 minutes in the air, with a 1,000-meter descent and no engine noise. You sit in front of your pilot while the Alps open up around you.

I like the simple setup: a cable-car ride handles most of the climb, and the pilot does the technical work. I also like that Robert, Peter, and Beat can adjust the flight to your mood, from a quiet glide to steering practice or a few spins.

The main drawback is that the advertised two hours includes transport, preparation, hiking, and landing, not two hours in the sky. Wind and weather control the schedule and airtime, and the $252.95 price is a serious splurge.

Key points to know before booking

• Jakobshorn launch: You ride the cable car from Davos and hike 10 to 20 minutes to the takeoff area.
• 1,000-meter descent: The flight runs from the mountain down to Davos, with 15 to 35 minutes of airtime.
• Private pilot: Only your group takes part, with a personal tandem pilot handling the glider.
• No special skills needed: You need moderate fitness, but not extreme strength or prior flying experience.
• Choose your level of thrill: Ask for a calm glide, steering practice, or freestyle maneuvers if the conditions permit.
• Central finish: You land close to the Joyride Paragliding meeting point in Davos.

From Davos Platz to the Jakobshorn launch

Your experience begins at Joyride Paragliding, at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos. This is also where you meet your pilot and where the flight ends, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back to your hotel or another part of town.

The first part of the outing uses the cable car from Davos to Jakobshorn. That ride is not just transport. It gives you a quick change from town to mountain, and it puts you high above Davos before the flight even begins.

At the top, you walk for about 10 to 20 minutes to the launch site. I would treat this as a short mountain hike rather than a casual stroll on a paved path. You need enough balance and energy for uneven ground, and you should wear sensible shoes.

The hike is modest, but it matters if you are booking this as a completely effortless activity. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, not extreme fitness. In summer, dress in hiking-style clothes. In winter, the provider can supply extra clothing similar to ski wear if needed.

Preparing the glider and taking off

At the launch point, your pilot sets up the glider and explains how the takeoff works. You do not need to understand the equipment or control the canopy by yourself. Your job is to follow the pilot’s instructions and take a few steps when told.

The takeoff is not described as a jump or a free fall. You run a few steps, the glider catches the air, and you become airborne. That distinction will matter if you are nervous about heights. The sensation is a smooth lift into the air rather than a drop from a platform.

The pilots who may lead the flight include Robert, Peter, and Beat. The company has also arranged schedules around group size and weight, so provide accurate details when booking, especially if you are arranging flights for a family.

Once you are up, you sit comfortably in front of the pilot in the tandem harness. The pilot remains behind you and manages the glider throughout the flight. There is no motor, so the experience is quiet apart from the wind and any conversation you have with your pilot.

15 to 35 minutes above Davos

The advertised airtime is 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions. That is a wide range, and you should not assume every flight will reach the upper end. Paragliding depends on the air on the day, so the actual time aloft can change.

The descent covers about 1,000 meters in height from Jakobshorn to Davos. You get a high viewpoint over the peaks and valleys, then gradually lose altitude as the glider works its way toward town.

I like the fact that the flight can be tailored to your comfort level. If you prefer a peaceful ride, tell the pilot you want a smooth, gradual descent. If you want more action, you can ask about steering the glider or trying freestyle maneuvers. The pilot decides what is suitable for the conditions and the flight plan.

That choice makes the experience work for different people in the same family or group. One person might want a calm scenic flight, while another may hope for spins. Since the activity is private, you are not being matched with strangers or pushed into a fixed group routine.

The views are the main reason to book. From the air, Davos becomes a compact town below the mountain slopes, while the surrounding peaks and valleys give the flight its sense of scale. I would keep your attention on the changing view rather than expecting a long list of narrated facts. This is an aerial experience first.

The landing near the center of Davos

The flight ends close to the original meeting point. As you come down, your pilot guides the glider toward the landing area. You make a few running steps again as you touch down.

That final short run is worth knowing about in advance. You do not simply sit still and wait for the ground. Follow the pilot’s instructions, keep moving when asked, and expect the landing to be an active finish.

Ending in Davos is practical. You are not left at a remote mountain site, and you can continue with the rest of your day from the same general area where you started. The full appointment is planned for about two hours, including the cable car, hike, setup, flight, and return.

What the $252.95 price includes

At $252.95 per person, this is one of the more expensive short activities you might add to a Swiss mountain trip. The price pays for a private tandem pilot, the flight itself, and the necessary preparation. It also includes extra clothing if you need it, with ski-style clothing in winter and hiking-style clothing in summer.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you are seeking a quick thrill with a view and do not want to learn to fly independently, the private format is useful. You receive one-on-one attention from the pilot, and you can discuss the level of action you want.

It is less attractive if you are mainly looking for a cheap way to see Davos from above. The flight lasts 15 to 35 minutes, while the total appointment lasts about two hours. You are paying for the specialized equipment, pilot, safety management, mountain access, and one private flight, not just the time in the air.

Souvenir photos are not included, but they may be available to buy. That can add to the final cost, so decide in advance if having a record of the flight matters to you.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included. You need to reach the Joyride Paragliding office at the cable-car station in Davos Platz yourself.

Who will enjoy this flight most

I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants an Alpine view with a real sense of movement, but does not want to commit to a full course or a demanding mountain activity. No special flying skills are needed, and the pilot handles the glider.

It also suits couples, families, and small groups who want a private outing. Children under 12 can fly only on request, so do not assume a young child can be added automatically. The group’s size and weight can affect scheduling, so give the provider correct details before your date.

You should be comfortable with a short mountain hike, a few running steps at takeoff, and a few more at landing. The experience is not designed as an extreme fitness test, but it is not completely stationary either.

If you are uneasy about heights, the lack of a free fall may help. Still, you will be suspended high above Davos, so this is not the right choice if the basic idea of being airborne makes you uncomfortable.

Weather, flexibility, and the practical details

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That weather policy is helpful, but it also means you should avoid placing this activity on the only possible day of a tightly packed itinerary.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Swiss time.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the ticket is mobile. The activity is offered in English. Since this is a private tour, only your group participates, which gives you more control over the pace and the amount of excitement.

I would keep your schedule flexible around the flight. Cloud, wind, and other conditions can affect the start time, the airtime, or the decision to fly. The company has adjusted schedules before when group size, weight, or weather made a different plan more sensible.

Small details that make a big difference

Wear clothing that allows you to walk and run comfortably. In summer, hiking-style clothes make sense. In winter, dress as you would for skiing, though extra clothing may be available if necessary.

Do not plan a major appointment immediately after the scheduled end. The tour is planned for two hours, but mountain activities can require some patience when conditions change. The airtime itself may also be shorter or longer within the stated 15 to 35-minute range.

If you want a calm flight, say so before takeoff. If you want to try steering or freestyle moves, ask the pilot. The experience can be gentle or more thrilling, but the pilot remains responsible for choosing what is safe and suitable on the day.

I also like that the flight lands near the starting area. You can finish without arranging a mountain transfer, which keeps the rest of your Davos plans simple.

My take: book it for the air, not just the view

You should book this tandem flight if you want a memorable mountain experience and are willing to pay for a short, private adventure. The combination of a cable-car ascent, a short hike, a silent glide, and a 1,000-meter descent gives the day a clear sense of progression.

I would skip it if your budget is tight, your schedule cannot handle weather changes, or you want a long flight for the price. The 15 to 35 minutes in the air is the heart of the experience, but the $252.95 cost is high for an activity with no guaranteed maximum airtime.

For the right person, the private setup is the key reason to choose it. You can fly with Robert, Peter, Beat, or another Joyride pilot, explain how much action you want, and return to Davos after landing. If that sounds better than simply taking a mountain viewpoint photo, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience start?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, at the cable-car station in Davos Platz.

Where does the flight end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point area in Davos, with landing close to where you started.

How long does the full experience take?

The full appointment lasts about two hours, including the cable-car ride, hike to the launch site, preparation, flight, and landing.

How long will I be in the air?

Airtime is 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

How high is the flight?

The flight covers a height difference of about 1,000 meters between the Jakobshorn launch area and Davos.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No special skills are required. You fly with a personal tandem pilot who sets up and controls the glider.

How much walking is involved?

You hike for about 10 to 20 minutes from the cable-car area to the takeoff site. You also take a few running steps during takeoff and landing.

Is clothing provided?

Additional clothing is available if necessary, with ski-style clothing in winter and hiking-style clothing in summer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.