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

The mountain becomes your runway. This two-hour tandem flight takes you from Jakobshorn to Davos with a private pilot, 15 to 35 minutes in the air, and broad views of the Swiss Alps. I especially like the quiet glide, with no engine noise, and the choice between a calm descent or extra turns and freestyle moves. The 1,000-meter height difference makes this more than a quick sightseeing ride, though weather can change the schedule and the final launch requires a 10 to 20-minute mountain hike.

I also like the careful setup. You meet at the Joyride Paragliding office, ride the cable car with your pilot, receive a takeoff briefing, and then run a few steps before lifting away. Pilots Robert and Peter receive warm praise for their friendly approach, while Robert has also helped families adjust schedules around group size and weight. The main consideration is price: at $252.95 per person, this is a special-occasion experience, not a casual add-on.

Key Points Before You Book

• 1,000-meter descent: Fly from Jakobshorn down toward Davos, with 15 to 35 minutes of airtime depending on wind.
• Private pilot for your group: You fly in a tandem harness with your own professional pilot, rather than joining a large shared activity.
• Quiet Alpine flight: The paraglider has no engine, so the ride is a smooth, open-air glide.
• Optional extra action: Ask your pilot about steering, spins, or freestyle maneuvers if you want more than a gentle flight.
• Short uphill walk: The cable car does not take you all the way to the launch point. Plan on hiking for about 10 to 20 minutes.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Starting at Joyride Paragliding in Davos Platz

Your experience begins at the Joyride Paragliding office at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos, near the cable car station in Davos Platz. This meeting point matters because the activity does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way there and arrive ready for a mountain outing.

The full booking window is about two hours. That time includes meeting the pilot, taking the cable car, walking to the launch site, preparing the glider, flying, and returning to the meeting point. The actual airtime is shorter, usually 15 to 35 minutes, but the total length gives the team room to work with mountain conditions.

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That can make the start feel less rushed. Your pilot can explain the process directly, answer questions, and adjust the pace to suit your group. The company offers the activity in English, and the available feedback gives particular credit to Robert and Peter for being reassuring, upbeat, and easy to work with.

Riding the Cable Car Toward Jakobshorn

From Davos, you take the cable car with your pilot toward Jakobshorn. The ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You gain height gradually and get your first clear sense of how far above Davos the launch point will be.

The flight begins near the top of Jakobshorn, but the last part is on foot. The walk takes about 10 to 20 minutes along the mountainside. You do not need special technical skills or extreme fitness, but a moderate level of fitness is expected. Wear sensible shoes and be ready for a short uphill walk before the flight.

That small hike is worth noting for two reasons. First, it means you should not treat this as a chairlift ride followed by an instant launch. Second, it gives the pilot time to find a suitable takeoff area and prepare according to the current conditions. The exact launch point can depend on wind and terrain, so the route may not feel identical every time.

In summer, clothes similar to what you would wear for hiking are suitable. In winter, the provider can offer additional clothing similar to ski wear if necessary. Even on a warm day in Davos, remember that the launch point is higher and the air can feel cooler.

Getting Ready for the 1,000-Meter Takeoff

At the launch site, your pilot lays out and checks the paraglider. You receive instructions about how to take off, including what to do when the pilot gives the signal. The actual launch is brief: you run a few steps, and the wing catches the air.

That simplicity can be reassuring. You do not need previous paragliding experience, and you are not expected to manage the equipment on your own. Your pilot handles the glider and guides the takeoff. You do need to listen carefully and follow the instructions, especially during those first few steps.

The takeoff is also the moment when nerves tend to peak. The description of the experience promises a smooth departure rather than a free fall, and that distinction is useful. You are not jumping from a cliff. You and the pilot move forward together as the canopy lifts.

Still, this is an outdoor activity, not a fixed amusement-park ride. Wind conditions affect timing and flight length. If conditions are poor, the flight may be canceled, with the choice of another date or a full refund. I recommend avoiding a tightly packed schedule on the same day.

A Quiet Glide Above Davos

Once airborne, you sit comfortably in front of your pilot in the tandem harness. The flight has no engine noise, which leaves you with the sound of the air and the views below. That quiet is one of the strongest reasons to choose paragliding over a motorized mountain activity.

The height difference from Jakobshorn to Davos is about 1,000 meters. That gives the flight a real sense of travel. You are not simply circling above one launch field. You are moving down from the high mountain toward the town, with peaks and valleys spread around you.

Airtime lasts 15 to 35 minutes. Wind conditions decide where the flight falls within that range. If you want the longest possible flight, keep your expectations flexible. A shorter flight is not necessarily a poor one, since the pilot must work within safe conditions.

The best part for many people will be the open view. You can look across the Alpine peaks, down toward Davos, and across the valleys that frame the town. Exact visibility depends on weather, so bright, clear conditions will give you the sharpest views. Cloudier weather may change the mood and limit what you can see.

Choosing Between a Gentle Ride and Extra Spins

The basic flight is a smooth glide, and you can simply enjoy the view. If you prefer a calm experience, tell your pilot. You sit in front while the pilot manages the wing, so your main task is to stay comfortable and take in the surroundings.

If you want more action, the pilot can show you how to steer the glider. You can also ask about spins or freestyle maneuvers. This gives the activity some flexibility for couples, families, or friends with different ideas about adventure. One person can enjoy the peaceful flight, while another can request a livelier finish.

Do not assume that the more dramatic option is automatically better. Spins can be thrilling, but they may not suit anyone who is nervous or prone to motion sickness. A good plan is to start with the standard glide, then discuss extra moves once you feel settled in the air.

The shared control is also a memorable feature. You are not just being carried from one place to another. With the pilot’s guidance, you may get a brief chance to help steer. The pilot remains responsible for the flight, but that small involvement can make the experience feel more personal.

Landing Near the Heart of Davos

The flight ends close to the original meeting point in Davos. Landing involves a few more running steps, so you should be ready to follow the pilot’s instructions as you come down. It is not a complicated finish, but comfortable shoes and a willingness to move with the landing are useful.

Returning near the starting point keeps the logistics simple. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer from a remote landing field. Your two-hour booking ends back at the meeting area, which is convenient if you have a meal, train, or another Davos activity planned afterward.

Give yourself some extra time anyway. Weather can affect the launch, airtime, and landing schedule. The listed duration is approximately two hours, not a guarantee that you will be finished at an exact minute.

What the $252.95 Price Really Covers

At $252.95 per person, this is expensive compared with a standard cable car ride or mountain viewpoint. The price makes more sense if you value personal attention and actual airtime rather than simply reaching a summit.

You are paying for a private tandem pilot, the cable car journey to the launch area, equipment, preparation, and a 15 to 35-minute flight. Additional clothes can be provided if necessary, with ski-style clothing in winter and hiking-style clothing in summer. Souvenir photos cost extra, so budget separately if you want a record of the flight.

The private format is important. A large group activity can lower the price, but it may also offer less personal attention. Here, your pilot is directly beside you from the meeting point through the flight. For a family or small group celebrating a special trip, that personal format can justify the cost.

The value depends heavily on conditions. A clear day with good visibility and a long flight will feel like a strong purchase. Poor weather can shorten or cancel the flight, though the cancellation terms protect you if the provider calls it off. If the activity is canceled for weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Flight Most

I would recommend this to adults and older children who want a genuine Alpine thrill without needing technical training. You do not need special skills, but you should have moderate fitness for the short walk to the launch area and the running steps at takeoff and landing.

It suits people who want more than a mountain viewpoint. From the cable car, you see Jakobshorn from a conventional tourist angle. From the paraglider, you move through the air above the peaks and valleys, with no motor between you and the surroundings.

Families can also consider it. One family group arranged timing with Robert around its size and weight, and the parents and children all flew. Children under 12 are accepted only on request, so families should contact the provider before booking.

I would think twice if you dislike heights, get motion sick, or need a fixed timetable. The flight is gentle by adventure-sport standards, but you are still suspended high above the ground. Wind also controls the schedule, and the final walk may be tiring for anyone with limited mobility.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Book ahead if your dates are fixed. The experience is commonly reserved about 30 days in advance, which suggests that popular summer and holiday slots may not remain open until the last minute.

Build flexibility into your day. Weather can force a change, and the provider requires at least 24 hours notice for a full refund if you cancel. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

Wear clothing suited to the season and shoes that work for a short mountain hike. In winter, ask about the additional clothing offered by the company. In summer, hiking-style clothing is the sensible choice.

If you want photos, ask about souvenir images before the flight or at the office. They are not part of the listed price. Also, decide in advance how much action you want. Tell the pilot if you prefer a relaxed glide, or ask about steering and freestyle moves if you want something more active.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the staff. Robert and Peter are repeatedly described as friendly, encouraging, and professional, and Robert has taken care with family planning and weather-related timing. That human touch matters when you are about to step off a mountain.

Should You Book the Davos Tandem Flight?

Book it if you want a memorable view of Davos from the air and like the idea of a quiet, private glide rather than a noisy motorized ride. The 1,000-meter descent, flexible flight style, and skilled personal guidance make it a strong choice for a special day in the Alps.

Skip it if $252.95 feels too high for one activity, if you need a guaranteed timetable, or if a short hike and running takeoff sound uncomfortable. For everyone else, I would keep one clear day open, wear practical clothes, and ask the pilot to match the flight to your comfort level. A gentle glide is enough for most people, but the option of spins gives the outing extra bite.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

You meet the pilot at the Joyride Paragliding office at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos, Switzerland, near the cable car station in Davos Platz.

Where does the flight take place?

The flight begins from Jakobshorn Mountain and descends toward Davos, with a height difference of about 1,000 meters.

How long is the full activity?

The experience takes approximately two hours, including the meeting, cable car ride, walk to the launch point, preparation, flight, and return to the meeting point.

How long will I be in the air?

Airtime lasts about 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

Do I need paragliding experience?

No. You do not need special skills or extreme fitness, and the pilot manages the tandem flight. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

Is there a walk to the launch site?

Yes. After taking the cable car with your pilot, you hike for about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the launch area.

Can children take part?

Children under 12 can participate only on request. The provider should be contacted before booking for those children.

Are photos included in the price?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point in Davos yourself.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The flight may be canceled if conditions are unsuitable. You will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.