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

Davos changes fast once you are in the air. I love how this tandem flight pairs a smooth cable car ride with a real mountain launch off Jakobshorn, plus the team behind it (like Robert coordinating and pilots such as Peter) keeps things calm and clear. You get to choose how it feels too, from a relaxed glide to more action, all in a private setup where you sit in front with your instructor.

Still, you should plan for one thing: the day includes a 10 to 20 minute hike to reach the takeoff point, and the time in the air (15 to 35 minutes) can shift with wind.

Joyride Paragliding Davos in a Nutshell

• Jakobshorn launch, Davos landing: 1,000 meters of height difference, with views that feel big even in brief airtime
• Private tandem flight: your pilot and your group only, so you are not squeezed into a shared experience
• 15 to 35 minutes in the air within a 2-hour reserved window, including prep and walking time
• No engine noise: just a smooth glide, with options for steering or freestyle maneuvers if you want them
• Winter or summer clothing provided if needed, so you are not stuck guessing what to wear
• Weather dependent: strong days mean flying, rough days mean rescheduling or a refund

Paying for the View, Not the Guesswork

This is one of those experiences where the price makes sense because you are not buying a ticket to a seat. You are buying a pilot, a glider setup, and the know-how to turn steep mountain air into an easy ride. At $252.95 per person, it is not the cheapest thing in Davos, but the tandem setup and the fact it is private help justify the cost.

What you are really paying for is simplicity. You do not need special skills, and you do not need extreme fitness. Your job is basically to show up, follow instructions, and decide how bold you want the flight to feel. The rest is handled by the pilot and the team.

I also like the structure of the day. They reserve about 2 hours total, which is long enough for the cable car ride, the short uphill walk, the preflight check, and then the flight itself. The airtime then lands in a realistic range, 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

Getting There: Davos Platz Meeting Point and Cable Car Start

Your day begins at Joyride Paragliding’s office at Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, in Davos Platz. This matters because it keeps things straightforward. You are not hunting for a faraway pickup. You meet at the station area, then the team guides you from there.

From the meeting point, you take the cable car to Jakobshorn with your pilot. This is a smart choice. It means you get elevation without burning energy on the way up, and it gives you a chance to look around from different angles before you ever step near the launch.

Once you reach the mountain area, you will hike for about 10 to 20 minutes to get to the takeoff point. That climb is not about training. It is about positioning the flight for the best launch. Still, wear shoes you trust on uneven ground, and plan for a little breathing harder in the altitude air.

The Preflight Moment: Setup, Briefing, Then 3, 2, 1

After you meet at the office and ride up, the focus shifts fast to preparation. Your pilot sets up the glider and walks you through takeoff. Even if you are nervous, this step is designed to make it predictable.

You will sit comfortably in front of your pilot during the flight. That one detail changes the whole vibe. You are not juggling gear on your own. You are not managing anything mechanical. You are simply in the harness with someone who flies these routes for a living.

When it is time, the moment arrives quickly: a few steps, then you are airborne. If you have seen paragliding online, you might expect chaos. Here, it feels more like the clean beginning of a ride than an ordeal.

In the Air: 1,000 Meters of Height Difference and Big Alpine Views

The core of the experience is the ride from the top of Jakobshorn down to Davos. The height difference is 1,000 meters, which is a real vertical change. That usually means your views keep unfolding instead of repeating the same angles.

Airtime is typically 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions. That variability is important to understand. Paragliding is weather and air-dependent, so the goal is not to rush you into a short, choppy flight. It is to catch the best window.

What you get in that air time is a smooth glide. There is no engine noise. There is no free falling feeling either. You are floating through mountain air, with a sense of speed that feels natural, like you are drifting faster than you walk.

And because it is tandem, you also get a sense of control even when you are not touching the lines. Your pilot manages the glider. You feel calm because the ride is stable and guided.

Choosing Your Vibe: Relaxed Glide or More Action

One of the reasons this flight rates so highly is that it can match your mood. You can keep it relaxing and focus on the scenery. Or, if you want more, your pilot can show you how to steer the glider.

The experience also offers the chance for thrilling moments, including spins if you are up for it. The key word is up for it. Your pilot will tell you what to expect and read your body language. If you stay quiet and relaxed, the flight will likely feel more like a long, smooth curve through the air. If you speak up and say you want action, your pilot can work that into the flight.

If you are the type who hates surprises, this is a good setup. You can express what you want before you launch, and your pilot can pace the ride accordingly.

Landing Back in Davos: Simple Finish, Same Meeting Area

After time in the air, you land close to where you meet. You do not need to hike back down. The landing is followed by a few steps running, depending on how the landing spot lines up with the airflow.

That matters more than it sounds. Some outdoor adventures end with a long walk, transfers, or a return hike. Here, you finish near the original point, which makes it easier to plan the rest of your day in Davos.

Also, because the whole activity is private and time-managed, you are not stuck waiting around for an undefined group schedule. The day feels paced, from office meeting to cable car to launch to landing.

What’s Included, What’s Extra, and What You Should Bring

Included with your booking is a personal tandem pilot, plus additional clothing if necessary. That is especially useful in winter because mountain air can be sharp even when the town feels manageable. In summer, the provided layers are described as more like hiking clothing, which helps if you show up underdressed.

Souvenir photos are not included. If you want keepsakes, you will have an option to purchase them. The ride itself is also photo-friendly, because you are high enough to get wide views, and your pilot can time movements for clearer angles.

Not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. That is typical for mountain activities in ski-town areas, but it means you should plan to get yourself to the Davos Platz meeting point.

What you should bring is not listed in detail, so I suggest you follow common mountain sense:

• Wear shoes suitable for a short hike on uneven ground
• Dress in layers, since winter or summer conditions can shift at altitude
• Bring your own water and a light snack if you tend to get hungry before an outdoor start

Price and Value: Why 2 Hours Matters More Than the Flight Minutes

It is easy to fixate on the flight airtime alone, since 15 to 35 minutes is the number you will remember. But you are paying for the whole operation. The reason it is about 2 hours total is that the day includes prep, equipment setup, walking to the takeoff area, the cable car trip, and the landing sequence.

That structure is part of the value. You are not spending your entire day chasing logistics. You also are not paying for a rushed slot. The team reserves time to do it right.

The booking pace also suggests the demand is real. On average, it gets booked around 30 days in advance, so if you are traveling during a busy period, secure it early.

Weather Rules: How Wind Affects Your Day

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or receive a full refund.

That is the honest reality of paragliding. Wind can mean the difference between a smooth glide and a flight that does not meet safety standards. The airtime range, 15 to 35 minutes, is another clue that conditions matter.

Here is how to plan smartly: keep your schedule flexible if you can. If you are staying multiple days in Davos, booking on a day with an open afternoon is a practical move. If you are only in town for one day, pick the time window that gives you backup options if rescheduling is needed.

Who This Fits Best (and Who Might Rethink It)

This tandem ride is designed to be accessible. You do not need paragliding skills. You also do not need extreme fitness, but you should have moderate physical fitness because of the short uphill walk to the takeoff point.

It is a great match if you want:

• A wow moment without technical training
• A guided flight where you can still choose how wild it gets
• A private experience with just your group

It might not be your best fit if you:

• Struggle with short hikes on mountainous terrain
• Expect guaranteed airtime at the top of the 15 to 35 minute range
• Have very tight timing and no flexibility for weather changes

Kids under 12 can fly only on request, so if you are traveling as a family, ask early. Also remember this is private for your group, so family planning and weight considerations are part of the coordination.

Should You Book This 1,000 Meter Tandem Flight in Davos?

If you want a high-impact Alpine experience that stays simple, I would book it. The combination of Jakobshorn views, a 1,000 meter descent to Davos, and a pilot who manages everything for you is exactly the kind of travel payoff that feels worth the cost.

I would book it especially if you like the idea of choosing your vibe, relaxed glide or some steering and spins. And if you do not love complicated logistics, the setup here is clean: meet at the office, ride the cable car, hike a bit, fly, land back nearby.

The only reason I would hesitate is the hiking and weather dependency. If you cannot handle the short walk, or if your trip has no flexibility at all, you might feel the pinch. But for most people visiting Davos, this is one of the most memorable ways to see the valleys and peaks without needing any training.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Davos paragliding flight?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

How long does the full experience take?

The operator reserves about 2 hours in total, including time for getting set up and the flight.

How long are you actually in the air?

You get about 15 to 35 minutes of airtime, depending on the wind conditions.

How high is the flight from Jakobshorn to Davos?

The flight involves a 1,000 meter height difference, from the top of Jakobshorn down to Davos.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

Included is your personal tandem pilot and additional clothes if necessary. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need special skills or extreme fitness to go?

No special skills are required. You should have moderate physical fitness level. There is also a hike of about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the takeoff point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What happens if weather is bad, or if I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.