Davos: Tandem Paragliding Flight

The best part of this Davos experience is the launch from Jakobshorn, high above town, followed by a quiet glide back toward Davos. You run a few steps with your pilot, the canopy catches air, and suddenly your feet leave the ground. It is a thrilling way to see Graubünden, without the noise and effort of a motorized ride.

I like the 30 years of local paragliding experience behind the pilot team, and I like that you can talk easily during the flight instead of being left alone with your nerves. The free flight pictures are another real plus. The main drawback is practical: the cable-car ticket is not included unless your summer Davos Klosters guest card covers it.

Key points

• Launch from Jakobshorn: Ride the Jakobshornbahn from Davos Platz and take in the mountain setting before takeoff.
• Wind-based starting point: Your pilot chooses among sites below the summit, Jatzhütte, and Brämabüel according to conditions.
• Experienced local pilots: The Davos team brings about 30 years of paragliding experience.
• A private group: You receive direct attention rather than joining a large mixed group.
• Photos included: You receive pictures of your flight, a useful keepsake from an experience that is hard to photograph yourself.
• Two hours door to door: The time includes meeting, cable-car travel, preparation, flight, and return to Davos.

Why Jakobshorn is a fine place to leave the ground

You meet your pilot at the valley station of the Jakobshornbahn in Davos Platz. This is a simple meeting point in town, but give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing. The experience begins with an orientation, not with a sudden sprint toward a mountain edge.

The pilot team is based in Davos and has about 30 years of paragliding experience. That local background matters. Mountain flying depends on wind, terrain, and timing, so you want a pilot who knows the area and can choose a sensible launch point rather than treating every day the same way.

You can ask questions before and during the cable-car ride. The ride up takes two sections, giving you time to learn the basic idea of paragliding and talk through any concerns. If you are nervous, this is the most useful part of the experience. You can meet the person who will manage the flight, understand what the launch involves, and get a feel for the equipment before you are asked to use it.

The activity is private, which makes the short briefing more personal. You are not trying to hear instructions over a large group. German and English are offered, so confirm that one of those languages works for you when booking.

The cable car ride gives you time to settle in

The Jakobshornbahn carries you from Davos Platz toward the summit in two sections. The cable car ticket is separate from the activity price, although it is included in the summer Davos Klosters guest card. Bring that card if you have one.

This extra cost is easy to overlook when comparing prices. At $245 per person, the activity is already a substantial purchase, and the cable-car fare can add to it outside the guest-card arrangement. Still, the ride is not just transport. It takes you to the launch area and gives you time to speak with your pilot, ask about the wind, and watch the scenery change as you climb.

The total duration is about two hours. That does not mean two full hours in the air. It includes meeting your pilot, the two cable-car sections, the safety preparation, the flight, and the return to Davos. The exact airtime depends on the conditions and the pilot’s choice of launch site, so book this for the experience as a whole rather than expecting a fixed number of minutes above the valley.

Three possible launch points, chosen for the wind

At the top, your pilot checks the wind before choosing where to begin. Normally, the flight starts directly below the summit, at Jatzhütte, or at Brämabüel. This flexible plan is one of the strongest parts of the arrangement because the takeoff site is selected for the day’s conditions.

You may not know your launch point until you reach Jakobshorn. That is worth understanding before you book. If you want a fixed viewpoint or a guaranteed starting place, this activity will feel less predictable. If you prefer a pilot who responds to the mountain rather than forcing a set plan, the flexibility is reassuring.

The pilot lays out the equipment and connects you to the apparatus. You receive instructions for the start, and then you run together for a few steps. The wording may sound dramatic, but the launch is a short coordinated movement, not a solo leap. Your pilot controls the setup while you follow the instructions.

Wear warm outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, and sunglasses. Even on a pleasant day in Davos, the air can feel cooler once you are above town. Appropriate clothing and shoes can be provided if required, but bringing your own comfortable gear is the simpler choice.

What the first seconds of flight feel like

After a few running steps, the canopy lifts and you are airborne. This is the moment when the activity changes from a mountain excursion into something quite different. You are no longer looking at Jakobshorn from a cable car window. You are moving through open air, with the mountain and Davos below.

Your pilot remains with you throughout the flight, and you can talk easily. That makes this a good first paragliding experience for someone who wants the sensation of flight but does not want to be left guessing what is happening.

You can tell your pilot what you would like during the flight. You may be able to steer yourself, or you can simply sit back and enjoy the view. The choice gives the experience some range. A cautious first-timer can let the pilot handle everything, while a more adventurous participant can try a small amount of steering under instruction.

Do not confuse tandem paragliding with a high-speed amusement ride. The appeal is the combination of quiet movement, open views, and the feeling of being carried by the air. The most memorable part may be the calm glide after the excitement of takeoff.

The return to Davos completes the outing

The landing site is in Davos, where the experience ends. This is convenient because you do not finish at an isolated mountain point and then need to arrange a long transfer back to town. The activity begins and concludes in the same general area.

Your pilot guides the landing. You should still expect to follow instructions and have a normal level of fitness, particularly for the short run at takeoff and the general outdoor setting. The provided information does not promise a particular landing spot in Davos, so treat the exact finish as condition-dependent.

The flight pictures are included. That is a valuable detail because taking your own photographs while airborne is difficult and can distract from the experience. The pictures give you a record of the flight without requiring you to manage a camera in the air.

What the $245 price really covers

At $245 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for a private tandem flight, the equipment, a trained pilot, the preparation, and the convenience of returning to Davos. You also receive flight pictures and free luggage storage, with suitable clothing and shoes available if needed.

The strongest value comes from the private-group format and the local pilot attention. You are not buying a ticket for a short attraction with a crowd. You are buying a carefully managed personal experience in which the pilot explains the process, selects the launch point, handles the technical work, and lets you decide how active you want to be during the flight.

The price is less attractive if you must also pay for the cable car and have already spent heavily on other mountain activities. In summer, the Davos Klosters guest card can improve the calculation because the cable-car ticket is included. Check that detail before booking, since it may change the total cost.

The included pictures also help the value. A tandem flight is difficult to document on your own, and a set of images means you do not have to choose between enjoying the view and trying to photograph yourself.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for an adult or older child with a normal level of fitness who wants a memorable mountain activity without taking a paragliding course. You do not need to know how to fly. The pilot prepares the equipment and manages the flight, while you run at takeoff, listen to instructions, and enjoy the air time.

It is also a good fit for someone who wants a personal experience rather than a standard sightseeing ride. The cable car gives you the familiar mountain viewpoint, but the flight changes the way you see Davos. You are not simply looking out at the valley. You are moving through it.

This may not suit you if you dislike heights, feel uncomfortable with a wind-dependent schedule, or want every part of an outing fixed in advance. The launch point can change, and the cable-car fare may be extra. You should also avoid treating the two-hour duration as a promise of two hours in flight.

The available pilot languages are German and English. If you need another language, the supplied information does not confirm that one is available. The group type is private, which helps with questions and personal attention, but it does not remove the need to follow the pilot’s instructions.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most consistent praise centers on organization, friendly pilots, and the feeling that the whole activity is handled with care. The experience has been described as on time, well organized, and fun, with particular appreciation for kind guides and experienced pilots.

Martin and Joko are specifically associated with a memorable flight, and the response to their introduction, flight, and overall handling was especially warm. You should not assume they will be your assigned pilots, but their names give you a sense of the personal service connected with the Davos team.

The repeated enthusiasm for the pilots is important. Tandem paragliding depends heavily on trust. You need someone who can explain what is happening, make a careful wind decision, and keep you comfortable in the air. The available feedback points strongly to that human side of the experience, not just to the scenery.

Useful planning advice before you book

Reserve this for a day when you can keep your schedule flexible. The activity lasts two hours, but mountain conditions can affect the launch point and the timing. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when you are arranging a trip around changing plans.

Bring your Davos Klosters guest card if you have one. It may cover the summer cable-car ticket, and forgetting it could mean paying for transport that would otherwise be included.

Pack warm outdoor clothes, good shoes, and sunglasses. Store extra luggage at the meeting point using the free luggage-storage service rather than carrying unnecessary items up the mountain.

You should also plan for a little nervousness at the start. That is normal for a first flight. Use the cable-car ride to ask questions, listen to the briefing, and tell the pilot what you want from the flight. You can choose to steer or simply glide, so there is no need to prove anything.

Should you book the Davos tandem flight?

Book it if you want a personal, high-impact way to see Davos and are comfortable with a weather-dependent outdoor activity. The experienced local pilot team, private format, included pictures, and choice of launch sites make this more than a quick thrill ride.

Think twice if the extra cable-car cost matters, if you need a rigid timetable, or if heights are likely to spoil the experience. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for a special day in Graubünden, especially when your summer guest card covers the ride to Jakobshorn.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

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

Is the cable-car ticket included?

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

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts about two hours, including the meeting, cable-car ride, preparation, flight, and return to Davos.

Which languages do the pilots speak?

Instruction is available in German and English.

Where does the flight start?

Your pilot selects the launch point after checking the wind. The usual options are below the Jakobshorn summit, Jatzhütte, or Brämabüel.

Do I need paragliding experience?

No previous paragliding experience is stated as a requirement. You need a normal level of fitness and must follow your pilot’s instructions during takeoff and flight.

What should I bring?

Bring warm outdoor clothes, good shoes, sunglasses, and your Davos Klosters guest card if you have one. Free luggage storage is available, and suitable clothing and shoes can be provided if required.