Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

Morning air changes everything. This Davos tandem flight gives you a quiet start above the Alps, with an approximate 1,000-meter height difference from Jakobshorn to the landing area. I like the early departure for its promise of good flight conditions, and I like that a private, FOCA-licensed pilot handles the technical work while you take in the views.

The included photos and video add real value, especially for a first flight you will want to remember. The main drawback is that the cable car ticket is not included, and the experience depends on suitable weather, so your morning plans need some flexibility.

Key points at a glance

• 8:00 am start from Davos: An early meeting time is central to the experience, not an afterthought.
• Takeoff from Jakobshorn: You begin high above Davos, with a broad Alpine setting before the flight even starts.
• About 1,000 meters of height difference: The ride offers much more than a short hop from a low hillside.
• Private tandem flight: Only your group participates, with personalized attention from your pilot.
• Licensed pilot and equipment included: Air-Davos supplies the flight equipment and uses a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot.
• Photos and video included: You can focus on the flight instead of trying to record every second yourself.

Why the early morning matters in Davos

This experience is built around an 8:00 am start at Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos. That may sound early on holiday, but it is the reason the flight has its own appeal. Morning air can offer pleasant flying conditions, and the quiet beginning of the day gives the mountains a clean, open feel.

You will meet in Davos and make your way toward Jakobshorn for the flight. The supplied details do not specify exactly how the group reaches the launch point, so you should plan on using the cable car system and allow time for the ascent. The cable car ticket is not included in the price. In summer, your guest card may provide a reduction, which is worth checking before you book.

I like this arrangement for another reason: an early flight leaves much of the day free. You can have breakfast afterward, continue sightseeing around Davos, or use the rest of the morning for another mountain activity. The tradeoff is simple. If you prefer slow starts, this is not the easiest excursion to fit into your routine.

From Davos to Jakobshorn launch point

The only listed itinerary stop is Davos, but the real setting is Jakobshorn mountain. You start in the resort town, then head upward to the launch area with your pilot and the required paragliding equipment.

Jakobshorn gives the flight its sense of scale. You are not simply stepping off a small local slope for a few minutes in the air. The planned flight covers an approximate vertical difference of 1,000 meters, putting the town, surrounding peaks, and valleys far below you as you glide down.

Before takeoff, you receive instructions from the pilot. The exact briefing length is not stated, but the experience includes a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot, and the available accounts repeatedly point to calm explanations and a reassuring approach. One particularly useful detail comes from a flight with Martin, whose relaxed manner helped a first-time passenger feel secure from the beginning.

That matters more than flashy talk. Paragliding can feel strange at first because you are trusting another person with the takeoff, steering, and landing. A clear briefing helps you know what to do with your feet and body, so you can spend less time wondering what happens next.

The tandem flight and the first few seconds

A tandem flight lets you share one paraglider with your pilot. Your pilot manages the equipment and the flight, while you take part in the launch and then sit back to enjoy the ride.

Your job is not to master paragliding in one morning. You should listen closely, follow the launch instructions, and keep your attention on the pilot when asked. The supplied information does not provide a full step-by-step account of takeoff, so I would not promise a particular launch style or a set flight time.

What you can expect is a flight from Jakobshorn with a major height difference and wide Alpine views. The sensation is less like a roller coaster and more like a slow, open glide. That can be a relief if you are nervous about speed. It also means the experience depends heavily on weather and air conditions.

The morning timing is meant to help with those conditions. It cannot guarantee a flight on every date, however. If the weather is poor, the activity may be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent into unsuitable conditions, but it also means you should avoid scheduling this as the one fixed highlight of a tightly packed morning.

Views from 1,000 meters above Davos

The main reward is the change in scale. From Jakobshorn, Davos becomes part of a much larger Alpine scene, and the approximate 1,000-meter drop gives you time to appreciate that view rather than simply taking one quick look from a platform.

The experience can change with the weather. One flight began under overcast skies, then opened enough for a rainbow and clear views toward the snow-covered Jakobshorn. That detail captures the uncertain charm of mountain flying. You may get bright conditions, cloud, snow-capped peaks, or shifting light. The same uncertainty is also why a backup plan is sensible.

You should not book this only for a perfect postcard. Mountain weather can alter the mood quickly. Instead, book it if you value the experience of being in the air and can appreciate whatever the day provides.

The included video and photos are especially useful here. During a tandem flight, you cannot safely manage a camera while also listening to your pilot and enjoying the view. Having visual records supplied as part of the package means you can keep your attention on Jakobshorn and the flight itself.

A private flight with a personal guide

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That makes the experience more personal than a large departure with several unrelated parties waiting for their turn.

Your pilot is also your instructor-guide. The private format should make it easier to ask questions before takeoff and to receive direct help throughout the flight. It is a good match for a first flight, particularly if you want a calm introduction rather than a busy group setting.

The strongest praise in the supplied accounts centers on safety, organization, and a relaxed atmosphere. Martin is specifically remembered as calm and reassuring, while the wider Air-Davos team is described as professional and easy to deal with from the valley station through the landing area.

Those details do not mean you should expect the same pilot every time. Martin may not be your assigned pilot. They do show the kind of service Air-Davos aims to provide: clear instructions, a steady manner, and enough attention to help you stay comfortable.

What Air-Davos provides for the flight

The price includes the tandem paragliding ride, flight equipment, a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot, photos, video, and clothing for the flight. The clothing provision is helpful because mountain conditions can feel cooler than they do in Davos town, especially during an early start.

The listed clothing includes good shoes, a jacket, and gloves. You should still treat the morning as a mountain outing and dress with comfort in mind. The information does not state whether clothing sizes are guaranteed or whether every personal item is supplied, so it is sensible to confirm any special clothing needs before booking.

The pilot license is an important part of the package. You are not arranging an informal ride with an unknown operator. A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot is responsible for the flight, and safety explanations are part of the experience.

The photos and video are not a minor extra. They help justify the price for anyone who wants a lasting record without spending the flight holding a phone. The supplied information does not state how many images you receive, how the files are delivered, or whether editing is included. Ask Air-Davos if those details matter to you.

Is $222.07 good value?

The listed price is $222.07 per person. That is a serious amount for an activity lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but the price includes more than airtime alone.

You are paying for a private tandem arrangement, a licensed pilot, the flight equipment, flight clothing, and recorded photos and video. The early morning scheduling also keeps the experience focused rather than folding it into a large day tour with several unrelated stops.

The cable car ticket is the key extra cost. Since it is not included, your true total will be higher than the advertised price. Summer visitors may receive a reduction through the guest card, but the amount is not provided here. Check the current cable car price and any guest-card benefit before deciding.

I see this as reasonable value for a memorable first flight, especially if the photos and video are important to you. It is less attractive if you judge activities only by minutes in the air, dislike early starts, or are already paying for several expensive mountain lifts.

Who should book this experience

This flight suits first-time paragliders who want professional guidance and a private setting. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The listed requirement is a moderate level of physical fitness, which points to a need for basic mobility and the ability to follow takeoff instructions.

It also suits couples, families with suitable participants, or small groups who want to share one private booking. Since only your group participates, you avoid being mixed into a larger party.

You should think carefully before booking if you need a guaranteed flight on a particular morning. Weather controls the schedule, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or cancellation. The same applies if your Swiss itinerary leaves no room for a change.

The experience is also a good choice for people who want the views but do not want to control a paraglider themselves. You get the sensation of flight while the pilot takes care of the technical side.

Practical timing, transport, and cancellation

The meeting point is Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. It is near public transportation, which makes the start easier to reach without a car.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The start time is 8:00 am, and the full activity lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Since the cable car ticket is separate, you should leave enough time and budget for the ride up to Jakobshorn.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. If Air-Davos cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

That weather rule is fair, but do not confuse it with a guarantee that the flight will operate simply because the forecast looks promising. Mountain conditions can shift. Keep your schedule flexible and avoid booking a nonrefundable connection immediately afterward.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience start?

The meeting point is Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

What time does the activity begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Where does the flight take off?

The morning flight takes off from Jakobshorn mountain.

Is the cable car ticket included?

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

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Should you book the Davos Early Bird flight?

I would book this if you want a well-supported first paragliding experience, value a private group, and like the idea of starting the day above Davos rather than waiting for a later departure. The strongest reasons are the licensed pilot, calm personal guidance, early mountain conditions, and included photos and video.

I would pause if you dislike early mornings, need absolute weather certainty, or are trying to keep mountain transport costs low. Remember to budget for the cable car separately.

For the right person, this is a memorable way to see Davos from Jakobshorn. Go in with flexible plans, follow the pilot’s instructions, and let the morning light do much of the work.