If you want one of those rare travel moments that feels both easy and huge, this tandem paragliding flight in Davos is a strong pick. You’ll start at Jakobshorn by cable car, then ride the air with a private instructor for a 1,000 meter height difference down into Davos.

I especially like how simple the flight is in practice. You do not need skills, and you sit comfortably in front of your pilot, with no engine noise and no free-fall, just a smooth glide. One thing to consider is the hike: after the cable car, you’ll walk uphill for about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the launch point.

The other part I like is the control you get over the experience level. Your pilot can keep it calm with a gradual descent, or show you how steering and freestyle maneuvers work if you want more action. The main drawback is weather dependence, since the flight requires good conditions and the time in the air depends on wind.

Key things to know before you go

• 1,000 m height difference, tandem with your pilot for a dramatic view without needing training
• Cable car up, short hike up next so you get the scenery before you even launch
• 15 to 35 minutes in the air based on wind, while your whole slot is about two hours
• Choose your thrill level from smooth glide to guided steering and playful maneuvers
• Private group experience so you fly with only your group, not a crowd

Jakobshorn to Davos: why this flight feels so special

Davos has a way of making mountains feel close. This tandem flight takes advantage of that fact by launching you from Jakobshorn and bringing you down into town. The real magic here is the scale: a 1,000 meter drop means you’re not just “taking a ride,” you’re getting a real change in altitude and a real change in perspective.

And you’ll see a lot before you even lift off. The cable car portion is not just transport, it’s part of the experience, giving you sweeping views over Davos while everything is calm and controlled. Then, when you’re ready, your pilot handles the glider setup and the takeoff briefing, so you can focus on what matters, looking around and breathing.

The setup also keeps expectations realistic. You’re not thrown into something technical. You sit in front of your tandem pilot, you take off with the glider, and you land near where you started. It’s a loop that feels complete, not scattered.

Your two hour slot, and how much time you actually fly

The schedule is built around safety and flexibility, not just speed. For each flight, they reserve two hours total, but the time in the air is typically 15 to 35 minutes. That airtime range depends on wind conditions, which is exactly what you’d want for a comfortable ride.

Plan this like a half-day activity mood, not a quick snack. You’ll spend time meeting your pilot, getting gear and instruction, doing the cable car, and then hiking to the launch point. Even if you’re anxious to fly, the flow is designed so you don’t feel rushed.

One practical upside is that “two hours” is long enough to absorb delays that come with alpine weather. When conditions are off, these flights need time to line up with the right windows. That makes booking for a calm day, not a packed itinerary, a smart move.

Getting there: meeting in Davos Platz and the short mountain hike

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos. The start point is right by the cable cars area in Davos Platz, which helps a lot if you’re traveling without a car.

Here’s how the day usually unfolds on the ground:

• You meet the pilot at the booking office near the cable cars station.
• You ride the cable car with your pilot to reach the mountain launch area.
• For the last part, you hike uphill about 10 to 20 minutes to the takeoff site.

That hike is the one part you should take seriously. It’s not described as extreme, but it does mean you’ll be on your feet in mountain terrain. Wear footwear you trust on uneven ground. If you’re bringing family, this is also the point where kids should be comfortable walking short distances before the fun starts.

Season matters too. They provide additional clothes if necessary, with the idea that you might need ski-like layers in winter and hiking-like layers in summer. That’s a helpful safety net if you show up underdressed.

Meet your tandem pilot: calm instruction and real partnership

This isn’t a “follow the crowd” attraction. It’s a private tandem experience, so you get a personal pilot and personal attention through the whole process.

In the Davos operation, you’ll hear familiar names from the team. Some guests mention pilots like Robert and Peter, and they also reference Beat as a colleague involved in flying and guiding. What matters for you is the working style: the pilots come across as friendly, organized, and focused on keeping you comfortable in the air.

A key moment is the glider setup. Your pilot assembles everything and then explains takeoff. That step can feel intimidating in your head, but the process is built around clear guidance. You’ll do only what you need to do. Then you’ll step into the takeoff run, and that’s when you’ll launch.

The comfort setup is also a big deal. You’ll sit comfortably in front of your pilot, and the experience is described as smooth with no engine noise and no free-falling. So even if you’re nervous about heights, your body gets a more gradual, “ride it out” feeling rather than a sudden drop.

In the air: smooth glide, optional steering, and the thrill level you choose

Once airborne, the flight is designed to feel good right away. With tandem paragliding, you’re not managing lines or worrying about wind shifts. Your pilot does that. You get to enjoy it.

During the flight, you’ll likely experience:

• A smooth glide through alpine air
• Big views over peaks and valleys around Davos
• The option to add motion depending on what you want

Your pilot can guide you through more action if you’re interested. The format you’re given is not vague. They can show you how to steer the glider, and you can try freestyle maneuvers under their direction. In other words, you’re not stuck with only one style of flight.

The ride can also be set up for a calmer mood. If you prefer a relaxing pace, you can enjoy a gradual descent back to earth. That flexibility is one of the best reasons to choose a tandem flight rather than a solo adventure. You keep your comfort level, and you still get the “I can’t believe I’m doing this” feeling.

The landing in Davos: smooth steps back to real life

Landing is typically close to where you met, which keeps the whole experience from feeling like a detour. After your flight, you’ll walk a few steps for the landing close to the meeting point area.

It’s worth knowing that the experience is framed as low-stress on the ground. You take a few steps for takeoff, you glide, then you land and take a few steps again. That closed-loop rhythm matters. It reduces the feeling that you’re stranded on a mountain or stuck traveling a long way back after the most exciting part.

If you’re planning other plans the same day, this is a helpful factor. You’re not likely to end up far away after your final touchdown.

Price and value: what $252.95 covers, and what doesn’t

At $252.95 per person, you’re paying for a guided, high-effort activity with a private instructor and the equipment time involved in a tandem flight. This isn’t just “a ride,” it’s a full service experience built around pilot skill, safety checks, and mountain logistics.

What you get included:

• Your personal paragliding tandem pilot
• Additional clothes if necessary, with winter and summer clothing described as ski-like or hiking-like

What’s not included:

• Souvenir photos, available for purchase
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So if you’re staying in Davos already, you’re likely in decent shape. But if you’re farther out and expecting someone to collect you, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Davos Platz. The upside of that is you keep your schedule under your control.

Photo purchases are optional. If you know you want a memory you can hold, plan extra cash. If you don’t, you can treat this as a live-only experience and let the images live in your head.

Who this fits best: nerves, kids, and fitness level

This flight is described as having no special skills required and no extreme fitness needed. They ask for a moderate physical fitness level, which makes sense given the cable car plus short hike to launch.

You’re a good match if:

• You want a real alpine flight but you’re not looking to train for paragliding
• You prefer guided safety and clear instruction
• You’re okay with a brief uphill walk before takeoff

It can also work for families. The experience is private, so you’re not being thrown into a big mixed group situation. Children under 12 are only accepted on request, which means you should check availability and expectations early.

If you’re traveling with someone who is afraid of heights, tandem paragliding often still works because there’s a gradual takeoff, a seated position in front of the pilot, and the absence of engine noise. That said, if anyone in your party has strong mobility issues, you’ll want to plan carefully around the hike segment.

When to book and how weather affects your day

Booking is recommended about 30 days in advance on average. That makes sense because wind and good flying conditions are what you need, not just a date on the calendar.

Your flight depends on good weather, and confirmation is received at booking time. The airtime you get, 15 to 35 minutes, also depends on wind conditions. So even though the experience slot is about two hours, your actual flight time is influenced by nature.

If you hate waiting, plan your day loosely. Keep other activities flexible. The value of this experience comes from the conditions. You don’t want to force a rushed schedule that leaves you stressed if a weather window opens later.

One more practical point: this is offered in English, and it uses a mobile ticket. So have your ticket ready and plan for a straightforward, tech-friendly check-in.

Should you book Joyride Paragliding in Davos?

I think this is a smart choice if you want a high-impact experience with low required effort. The two big strengths are the private tandem pilot setup and the way the day is paced, cable car views first, a short hike, then a smooth glide with an easy landing back near the start.

Book it if you like:

• Clear guidance and a calm ride
• The chance to try steering or maneuvers if you feel like it
• A private experience that doesn’t turn into a crowd thing

Skip it or reconsider if:

• Your schedule is too tight to handle weather changes
• You cannot handle a short mountain hike to the takeoff point
• You’re expecting hotel pickup, since it is not included

If you’re on the fence, choose the simplest decision rule: if you can reach Davos Platz and you can walk 10 to 20 minutes uphill, this has strong odds of becoming one of your most memorable alpine moments.

FAQ

How high is the paragliding flight?

The flight covers a height difference of about 1,000 meters from the top of Jakobshorn to Davos.

How long will I be in the air?

Airtime is typically 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

What happens during the flight?

You fly tandem with your instructor. The ride is described as smooth with no engine noise and no free-falling. If you want more action, the pilot can show you steering and freestyle maneuvers.

Do I need experience or special skills?

No. You do not need special skills. The tour notes that you should have a moderate physical fitness level, mainly for the hike to the launch point.

Where do I meet the pilot?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.