Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

The best part of this Davos outing happens before the resort fully wakes up. You ride up toward Jakobshorn for a morning tandem flight, then float down through roughly 1,000 meters of height difference with the Alpine scenery spread below you. The early hour is chosen for calmer, more pleasant flying conditions.

I like the private format, since your group receives the pilot’s attention instead of being folded into a large crowd. I also like the practical extras: photos and video are included, so you can enjoy the flight without trying to hold a camera in the air. The main catch is that the cable car ticket is not included, though summer guest-card reductions may help.

Key points to know before you book

• The flight begins on Jakobshorn, one of Davos’ best launch points for wide mountain views.
• The early 8:00 am start matters, since the experience is planned around pleasant morning conditions.
• A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot flies with you, explains what to do, and manages the equipment.
• The descent covers about 1,000 meters of height difference, giving you much more than a quick photo stop.
• Photos and video come with the package, a useful value at an activity where you cannot easily film yourself.
• The cable car ride costs extra, so add that amount when working out the real price.

Why an early flight from Jakobshorn works so well

Paragliding here is not a brief launch followed by an immediate landing. From Jakobshorn, you get a long downhill flight with a total height difference of about 1,000 meters. That gives the experience a real sense of place: you begin high above Davos and gradually take in the valley, mountain slopes, and snowy summits from the air.

The early timing is part of the point, not an inconvenience. The flight is arranged for the morning, when conditions are considered pleasant for paragliding. You will need to be ready for an 8:00 am start at Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos, but that early alarm buys you a quieter start and the best chance of enjoying the flight before the day becomes more active.

You should also keep your expectations realistic. This is a tandem flight, not a lesson in solo paragliding. Your pilot handles the flying, while you follow instructions and enjoy the view. That makes it a good first flight for many people, especially if you want the thrill without taking a training course.

From Bahnhofstrasse to the Jakobshorn launch

The meeting point is at Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos. It is near public transportation, which makes the start easier to reach if you are staying elsewhere in Davos or arriving without a car. The stated meeting time is 8:00 am, so plan to arrive ready rather than trying to sort out your morning at the last second.

The cable car ticket is separate. That is the most important extra cost to remember. In summer, you may receive a reduction with the Davos guest card, but the exact saving depends on the card and current local arrangements.

Once you reach Jakobshorn, the pilot and team prepare you for the flight. Equipment is provided, including the paragliding gear and clothing such as good shoes, a jacket, and gloves. The inclusion of clothing is helpful if you did not pack specialist mountain gear, though you should still dress for a cool morning at altitude.

The team has to balance safety, timing, and comfort. One especially useful detail from the experience is the calm, clear briefing. Martin, one of the pilots associated with Air-Davos, has been praised for giving nervous first-time flyers a strong sense of security. You may not fly with Martin specifically, but that gives you a good idea of the tone to expect: professional, relaxed, and focused on clear instructions.

What the tandem flight feels like

Before takeoff, your pilot explains how to stand, when to move, and what to do during the launch. You do not need to control the wing. Your job is to listen, follow the pilot’s directions, and enjoy the view once you are airborne.

The takeoff is the moment when nerves usually peak. After that, the experience becomes less about physical effort and more about looking around. You are suspended above Davos with the mountain scenery opening out beneath you. The roughly 1,000-meter height difference gives the flight a satisfying length and helps it feel like a proper aerial outing rather than a short novelty ride.

The experience can vary with the weather. One flight began under overcast skies before the clouds opened, revealing snow-covered Jakobshorn and even a rainbow. That is a reminder of both the beauty and the unpredictability of mountain weather. You might get crisp visibility, soft cloud, or changing light. The operator requires good weather, and the pilot has the final say on safe flying conditions.

That weather rule is a benefit, not a nuisance. Paragliding depends on conditions that can shift quickly in the Alps. If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The Alpine views are the main event

Davos looks different from the air. From ground level, mountain views come in pieces, framed by roads, buildings, lifts, and walking paths. From a paraglider, you get a wider view and a stronger sense of the drop from Jakobshorn toward the valley.

Snow on the higher peaks can make the scene especially striking, but the exact appearance depends on the date and weather. The flight takes place above the Davos area, with the mountain slopes and surrounding Alpine peaks providing the setting. The changing view is one reason the morning schedule makes sense: clean light and open skies can make a major difference.

You should not expect a sightseeing narration packed with facts. This is primarily an outdoor flight, not a formal mountain tour. The pilot’s attention is directed toward safe flying and your comfort. Still, the private setup gives you a chance to ask questions and receive more direct help than you might on a large group activity.

The included photos and video add real value here. You can concentrate on the flight rather than worrying about dropping a phone or missing the view while trying to take pictures. For many people, those recordings will be the best reminder of the experience, especially since the sensation of flying is hard to describe after you are back on the ground.

How demanding is the experience?

The operator recommends a moderate level of physical fitness. That does not mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable taking part in a mountain activity and following launch instructions.

You will use the provided paragliding equipment and wear suitable clothing. Good shoes are listed as part of the supplied flight clothing, along with a jacket and gloves. The morning can feel cool, especially before the sun has warmed the mountain, so sensible layers remain a good idea even when clothing is available.

The experience is private, with only your group participating. That matters if you feel uneasy about being watched by a large crowd or if you want the pilot to focus closely on your pace and questions. It also makes this a better fit for a couple, family group, or small set of friends who want to share one memorable activity.

The flight is not described as accessible for every physical ability, so you should consider the moderate-fitness requirement before booking. If you have concerns, ask the operator directly before paying.

Price and what the package really includes

The listed price is $222.07 per person. That is not a cheap add-on, but tandem paragliding requires a licensed pilot, specialist equipment, mountain transport, weather planning, and professional handling from launch to landing.

The package includes the tandem ride, a FOCA-licensed pilot, paragliding equipment, clothing for the flight, photos, and video. Those extras make the price easier to assess. A cheaper-looking flight can become less appealing if you must pay separately for every image or video afterward.

Still, the price is not all-inclusive. The cable car ticket is separate, and that cost should be added to your budget. Summer guest-card discounts may reduce the transport price, but do not assume the lift ride is covered.

For me, the strongest value comes from the length of the descent and the included media. You are paying for a focused private activity rather than a short ride with a quick photograph at the end. If you mainly want an inexpensive mountain viewpoint, this will feel costly. If you want a one-time aerial experience with a licensed pilot and a lasting record of it, the price is more defensible.

What people liked most about the experience

The repeated strengths are clear. The organization is described as smooth, the explanations as useful, and the atmosphere as relaxed. Those details matter because a first flight can feel intimidating. You want a team that keeps the process simple and does not make you feel rushed.

Safety and confidence also come through strongly. One first-time flyer described the pilot as calm and reassuring, with no uneasy feeling from the first meeting at the lower station to the landing area. That is exactly the kind of handling you want in a tandem activity.

The weather can create a bonus moment. A cloud break and rainbow turned one flight into something far more memorable than a standard clear-weather outing. You cannot order that kind of scene, but the early timing and mountain setting give nature plenty of room to surprise you.

Air-Davos also receives praise for being professional without becoming stiff. That balance is useful: you get the seriousness required for an aerial sport while keeping the experience friendly and approachable.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to you if you want a major highlight in Davos and are comfortable with heights. It suits first-time flyers particularly well because the pilot controls the flight and the instructions are designed to be clear.

It is also a good choice for:

• Couples looking for a shared Alpine experience
• Small private groups that prefer personal attention
• Visitors who want photos and video without managing a camera
• People with a moderate level of fitness who can follow launch instructions
• Anyone with an early morning free in Davos

I would think twice if you dislike heights, need a late start, or want a fully inclusive price with no extra lift ticket. It may also disappoint you if you expect to learn solo flying rather than ride as a passenger.

Timing, cancellation, and useful planning details

The activity lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, though mountain transport and preparation mean you should protect enough time around the appointment. The experience begins and ends at the stated meeting point, making the return arrangements simple.

The tour is offered in English and confirmed at booking. It is near public transportation, and the private format means only your group takes part.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. Since weather controls the activity, keep your schedule flexible if possible. A poor-weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Air-Davos Early Bird?

Book it if you want to see Davos from an entirely different angle and are willing to start early and pay extra for the cable car. The 1,000-meter descent, private pilot attention, and included photos and video make this more than a quick thrill ride.

I would choose this experience for a first tandem flight, especially if calm instruction is important to you. I would skip it only if the price, early start, or height is likely to outweigh the appeal of the mountains. For the right person, this is the sort of morning that can become the defining memory of a Davos stay.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

It begins at Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

What time should I meet the team?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

Where does the flight take off?

The morning flight takes off from Jakobshorn mountain.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Is the cable car ticket included?

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

Are photos and video included?

Yes. Photos and video are included in the experience.

What kind of pilot leads the flight?

A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot leads the flight.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.