Davos: Tandem Paragliding Flight

The most memorable part of this Davos outing is the launch: after a short run beside your pilot, the ground falls away and you are gliding above the mountain valley. Martin and Joko are among the pilots named in the feedback, and the local pilot team brings about 30 years of paragliding experience.

I like the easy, personal format. You ride the Jakobshorn cable car with your pilot, ask questions before takeoff, and fly in a private group rather than being folded into a large crowd. I also like that you receive pictures of the flight, so you can keep more than a blurry memory of the day.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Your pilot chooses the launch point only after checking the wind, and the flight cannot be treated like a fixed sightseeing ride. You also pay for the cable car unless your summer Davos Klosters guest card covers it.

Key points at a glance

• Three possible launch areas: Your pilot may choose a point below the Jakobshorn summit, at Jatzhütte, or at Brämabüel, based on the wind.
• About 30 years of local flying experience: The Davos-based pilot team knows the area and handles the flight equipment.
• A real run into the air: You take a few steps with your pilot before the canopy lifts you from the mountain.
• A relaxed two-hour outing: The time includes meeting your pilot, riding two cable car sections, preparing, flying, and landing in Davos.
• English or German guidance: You can discuss questions and wishes with your pilot before and during the flight.
• Photos are included: You receive pictures of your time in the air, a useful extra at this price.

From Davos Platz to the Jakobshorn summit

Your meeting point is the valley station of the Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz. This is a practical starting place because the cable car takes you directly toward the flying area, and you do not need to arrange a separate mountain transfer.

The ride to the top uses two cable car sections. That gives you useful time with your pilot before the serious part begins. Ask about the launch, the running technique, the wind, and what you can do once the canopy is up. The activity is designed for conversation, not silent waiting, and your pilot will explain the basics of paragliding along the way.

This first part also helps settle nerves. A tandem flight sounds dramatic, but the process is broken into small steps: meet the pilot, ride uphill, check the conditions, prepare the equipment, and then run together. You are not expected to arrive with technical knowledge.

The group format is private, which matters here. You can focus on your own questions instead of listening to a general briefing for a large party. The pilot can also respond to your comfort level and tell you what is happening as the plan changes.

Choosing the launch point on Jakobshorn

At the top, your pilot checks the wind before choosing where to take off. The normal options are below the summit, at Jatzhütte, or at Brämabüel. This is more than a scenic choice. Paragliding depends on air movement, so the safest and most suitable launch area can change on the day.

That flexibility is a strength, though it means you should not arrive expecting one precise takeoff spot. Your pilot may move you to a different area after checking the conditions. For you, the practical result is a safer and more sensible flight plan, even if it differs from what you pictured while booking.

At the selected site, the pilot lays out and checks the equipment. You are then connected to the apparatus and given instructions for the start. Wear warm outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, and sunglasses. The mountain can feel cool even when Davos is pleasant, and good footwear matters for the short running start.

A normal level of fitness is required. That does not mean you need to be athletic, but you should be comfortable walking and running a few steps on a mountain launch area. If you have concerns, discuss them with the pilot before takeoff.

The few steps that send you into the air

The launch is simple in theory. You and your pilot run together, and after a few steps the canopy lifts you into the air. The key is to follow the pilot’s instructions and keep moving until you are clearly airborne.

This is the moment that makes tandem paragliding different from a cable car viewpoint. You do not just look across the valley from a platform. You leave the mountain and see Davos from above, with the pilot controlling the flight and managing the conditions.

Once airborne, you can talk easily with your pilot. That is useful if you want to ask questions, point out a view, or tell the pilot how you are feeling. You can also share your preferences during the flight, within the limits of the conditions and the pilot’s judgment.

The activity says you may be able to steer yourself. That can give you a small taste of the sport, but do not confuse it with taking over the flight. Your pilot remains responsible for controlling the equipment and making the important decisions.

If steering does not appeal to you, you can simply glide and look around. That makes this a good choice for two different types of participants: the curious person who wants a hands-on moment, and the person who wants to sit back and enjoy the views.

What you see from the air

The views are the main reason to choose this activity over a standard mountain excursion. From Jakobshorn, you get a broad look toward Davos and the surrounding Graubünden mountains. The height changes your sense of the valley, turning the cable car route, slopes, and town below into part of one large scene.

The flight also gives you a different pace from a mountain walk. You are not climbing toward a viewpoint or rushing between photo stops. You are moving with the air, with time to look in several directions and speak with the person flying you.

The exact route and duration of the airborne portion are not fixed in the information provided. Wind and flying conditions determine how the flight unfolds, so treat the two-hour figure as the duration of the whole activity rather than a guaranteed time in the air.

That distinction is important when comparing prices. You are paying for much more than a seat in the sky. The cost covers a trained pilot, flight equipment, local planning, cable car access arrangements, the launch process, landing, and flight pictures. The experience also includes the personal briefing and the flexibility to choose the right launch area for the day.

Landing back in Davos

The flight ends with a landing in Davos. Your pilot guides the approach and brings you down at the selected landing site, concluding the outing in the town rather than leaving you high on the mountain.

That makes the return simple. You do not need to hike down from Jakobshorn or arrange another mountain ride after the flight. Once you land, your unusual morning or afternoon can continue in Davos.

The landing is also part of the reason to follow the clothing advice. Good shoes and warm layers are sensible from the start, and sunglasses help with glare during the flight. You can leave luggage in the provided free storage, so you do not need to carry a large bag into the air.

The exact landing site in Davos is not specified in advance. As with takeoff, the pilot’s decisions depend on the conditions. If you need to be somewhere immediately after the activity, allow extra time rather than scheduling a tight connection.

Pictures, pilot contact, and personal attention

Pictures are included, and that is one of the strongest practical extras. A tandem flight is difficult to document yourself because your hands and attention are occupied. Having flight images means you can remember the takeoff, the canopy, and the mountain setting without trying to manage a phone in the air.

The pilot relationship is another important part of the value. The local team is based in Davos and has about 30 years of paragliding experience. The names Martin and Joko appear in the feedback, with one particularly positive account describing the introduction, flight, and overall handling as excellent.

You should still understand what local experience does and does not mean. It does not guarantee a particular route, a certain amount of airtime, or perfect weather. It does mean you are working with pilots familiar with the area and accustomed to choosing among local launch sites.

German and English are available. Before booking, think about which questions matter most to you. If you are anxious, ask about the running start and landing. If you are keen to participate, ask when you may steer. Clear communication makes the experience better.

Is $245 a fair price?

At $245 per person, this is not a budget activity. It is best judged against what is included rather than compared with the cost of an ordinary cable car ride.

You receive a tandem flight, all flight equipment, pilot guidance, luggage storage, and pictures. The private group setting also gives you direct access to the pilot. For someone who wants a memorable mountain activity rather than another scenic ride, that package can make sense.

The cable car ticket is extra unless it is included with your summer Davos Klosters guest card. Bring the card if you have one. This is a small but important detail, since the two cable car sections are part of the route to the launch area.

The five out of five rating from 12 recorded ratings supports the idea that the service is well organized. The strongest praise focuses on punctuality, kind guides, experienced pilots, and the complete flow from introduction to flight. One participant described the outing as a first-rate experience and another gave a very strong recommendation, while the German-language comments also praise the team and the smooth organization.

Those comments should not make you ignore the limitations. The price may feel high if you mainly want a mountain view and are uncomfortable with a running launch. It is a better fit if you value the flight itself, personal instruction, photos, and the chance to see Davos from the air.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who meet the normal fitness requirement, enjoy mountain scenery, and are open to a short burst of adventure. It suits a first-time flyer because the pilot handles the technical work and talks you through the process.

It is also a good choice for couples, families with suitable participants, or friends who want a private activity with a clear shared memory. The private group format keeps the attention on your party, and the included pictures add a nice record of the day.

You should think carefully before booking if you dislike heights, cannot manage a short running start, or need a guaranteed schedule. The wind decides the launch area, and the activity’s timing includes several stages before and after the actual flight.

Pack warm outdoor clothing, good shoes, and sunglasses. Keep your plans flexible enough to allow for the full two hours, plus some extra time if you have an important appointment afterward. Bring your Davos Klosters guest card in summer, since it may cover the cable car ticket.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Davos plans depend on weather or changing travel arrangements.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The activity is offered with German or English instruction, and the experience provider is Air-Davos Paragliding.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding activity begin?

You meet your pilot at the valley station of the Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz.

How do you reach the launch area?

You ride both sections of the Jakobshorn cable car with your pilot, then continue to the launch area chosen according to the wind.

Where can the flight launch?

The pilot may select a launch point below the Jakobshorn summit, at Jatzhütte, or at Brämabüel.

Is the cable car ticket included?

The cable car ticket is not included in the activity price. In summer, it is included if you have the Davos Klosters guest card.

What languages are available?

The pilots provide instruction in German and English.

What should you bring?

Warm outdoor clothing, good shoes, and sunglasses are recommended. Bring your Davos Klosters guest card if you have one, and use the free luggage storage for larger belongings.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want more than a mountain viewpoint and like the idea of a short, real adventure with an experienced local pilot. The combination of Jakobshorn access, flexible launch sites, private instruction, possible steering, and included pictures gives the $245 price a reasonable case.

Skip it if you need a fixed itinerary, dislike heights, or are not comfortable running a few steps at takeoff. For everyone else, this is a focused way to see Davos from the air, with the practical comfort of a pilot who handles the hard parts and brings you back to town.