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

From the top of Jakobshorn, you take a few running steps and suddenly the ground drops away. The 1,000-meter descent gives you wide views over Davos and the surrounding Swiss Alps, with no engine noise and no free fall. You sit in front of your pilot, safely secured, while the glider carries you toward the town.

I like the personal setup: this is a private flight for your group, not a crowded ride with strangers. I also like the flexible style. You can enjoy a smooth, quiet glide, or ask your pilot about steering and gentle spins. The main consideration is weather. Airtime can range from 15 to 35 minutes, and poor conditions can force a change of date.

Key points before you book

• 1,000-meter descent from Jakobshorn: The flight begins high above Davos and ends near the town center.
• 15 to 35 minutes in the air: Wind conditions decide the exact airtime.
• Only 10 to 20 minutes of hiking: You ride the cable car most of the way, then walk to the launch area.
• Personal Joyride pilot: Robert, Peter, Beat, or another pilot flies with only your group.
• Calm or more playful flight: Ask for a relaxed glide, steering practice, spins, or freestyle maneuvers.
• Winter clothing available: Extra clothing is provided when needed, with skiing-style layers in winter and hiking-style clothing in summer.

Taking off above Davos at Jakobshorn

Your meeting point is the Joyride Paragliding office at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos. This is also where the activity ends, which makes the day easier to manage. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the landing area.

You meet your pilot at the Davos Platz cable-car station, then ride upward together toward Jakobshorn. The cable-car journey saves you a long climb and gives you time to look over Davos before the flight begins. The final approach is on foot, with a 10 to 20-minute hike to the launch site.

That short walk matters. You need a moderate level of physical fitness, but this is not an extreme mountain outing. Wear practical shoes and be ready to walk on a mountainside. The walk is brief, yet you should not arrive expecting to step directly from the cable car into the harness.

At the launch area, your pilot lays out the glider and checks the equipment. You receive a simple explanation of the takeoff, including what to do when the pilot gives the signal. The takeoff itself involves a few steps of running. You do not need previous paragliding experience or special technical skills.

The start can feel like the most intense part because it happens quickly. You move forward, the wing catches air, and the ground falls away. After that, the flight becomes a seated ride in the harness, with the pilot managing the glider behind you.

What the 15 to 35-minute flight feels like

The flight covers a height difference of about 1,000 meters, but the time in the air is not fixed. Expect roughly 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions. That range is worth keeping in mind when comparing this activity with other mountain attractions. You are buying a genuine flight experience, but not a guaranteed half-hour in the air.

The sensation is closer to floating than falling. There is no engine noise and no free fall, so you can focus on the views and the quiet. You sit comfortably in front of the pilot, looking outward rather than needing to operate the glider.

Your flight can be as calm or active as you prefer. If you want a peaceful descent, tell the pilot. If you want more action, you can ask about steering the glider or trying freestyle maneuvers and spins. Wind and safety conditions always control what is possible, so the final choice belongs to the pilot.

This flexibility makes the experience suitable for different kinds of first-time flyers. A nervous beginner can concentrate on the views and steady glide. Someone seeking more excitement can request a livelier ride. You should be clear about your comfort level before takeoff, since the flight style affects how the experience feels.

The views are the main reward. From Jakobshorn, you look across the peaks and valleys around Davos, then watch the town grow closer as you descend. The changing angle gives you more than a single viewpoint from a cable-car platform. You see the mountain from above and then approach Davos from the air.

The Joyride pilots and the personal setup

Joyride Paragliding assigns you a personal tandem pilot. The company’s pilots include Robert, Peter, and Beat, and the experience is designed for your own group rather than a mixed crowd. That private format is useful for couples, families, and friends who want to share the same appointment without strangers joining the flight.

Robert is especially involved in the arrangements for some groups. He has contacted participants ahead of time to adjust the schedule around family size and passenger weight. That kind of planning is important in tandem paragliding, where the pilot needs accurate details before deciding how to organize the flights.

The pilots are also described as encouraging and good-humored. Peter, the head pilot, has flown family groups, while Robert and Beat have handled flights in changing conditions, including a day that began with cloud and later cleared. These details suggest a team that pays attention to weather and passenger needs rather than treating every booking as identical.

The activity is offered in English. If you have concerns about the takeoff, motion, height, or level of action, raise them with the pilot before leaving the ground. A clear conversation can help you choose a calmer flight and understand what will happen next.

Landing in Davos

The flight ends close to the meeting point in Davos. You usually take a few running steps at landing, then return to the Joyride Paragliding location. This is a practical advantage. You do not finish at an isolated mountain site and then need to organize a separate transfer.

The landing is not a hard drop. As with takeoff, you should follow the pilot’s instructions and be ready to move your feet for a few steps. The landing area in town also makes it easier to continue with lunch, shopping, or another Davos activity afterward.

The full booking allows about two hours, even though the airborne portion lasts 15 to 35 minutes. The extra time covers meeting the pilot, riding the cable car, walking to the launch point, preparing the glider, explaining the procedure, and returning after landing. Do not schedule another fixed appointment immediately afterward, especially if mountain conditions cause a delay.

Is the $252.95 price good value?

At $252.95 per person, this is not a cheap way to see Davos. You are paying for a personal tandem pilot, mountain access as part of the flight process, equipment, preparation, and a direct return to town. The cost makes more sense if you want an active experience rather than simply a scenic ride on the cable car.

The private format improves the value for a small group. You are not sharing the actual flight with other paying parties, and the pilot can adapt the pace to your comfort. For a special occasion, a family highlight, or a once-in-a-trip Alpine activity, the price may feel justified.

Still, remember what is not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, and souvenir photos cost extra. Additional clothing is supplied if necessary, but you should still arrive dressed for mountain conditions. It is wise to ask about photo pricing and the exact clothing arrangement when you book if those details matter to you.

The variable airtime also affects the value. On a good-weather day, you might receive 35 minutes in the air. In other conditions, the flight may be closer to 15 minutes. The listed price does not change with the exact airtime, so you should book this for the complete experience, not for a guaranteed number of minutes above Davos.

Clothing, fitness, and weather

You do not need special skills or extreme fitness. The main physical tasks are the 10 to 20-minute walk to the launch point, a few running steps at takeoff, and a few more at landing. A moderate fitness level is recommended.

Joyride can provide extra clothing when necessary. In winter, that means skiing-style clothing, while summer calls for hiking-style clothing. Even so, dress sensibly for the season and mountain setting. You should be comfortable walking and sitting outdoors while the pilot prepares the glider.

Weather is the biggest practical variable. Paragliding needs suitable conditions, and the activity can be canceled when the weather is poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. This protection is useful, but it means you should avoid placing the flight on the final morning of a short trip if possible.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The local Davos time controls the deadline.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

I would recommend this for first-time flyers who want a memorable Alpine view without learning to pilot a glider. The pilot handles the technical work, and you can simply sit in front, follow instructions, and decide how much action you want.

It suits couples and families particularly well. Children under 12 can fly only on request, so families should contact Joyride before booking. The company has arranged flights for adults and children together, but passenger details, including family size and weight, may affect scheduling.

This is also a good choice if you want a stronger sense of place than a standard mountain lookout provides. You do not just look at the Alps from a platform. You move through the air from Jakobshorn toward Davos, with the town and valleys changing below you.

I would think twice if heights make you very uncomfortable, if you need a tightly fixed schedule, or if you want a guaranteed 35-minute flight. The weather policy is fair, but mountain activities always require some flexibility.

Should you book Joyride Paragliding in Davos?

Book it if you want a private, well-organized first paragliding experience with a major Alpine view and a choice between a gentle glide and more action. The short hike, personal pilot, and landing near the center of Davos keep the experience practical. Robert, Peter, and Beat bring a personal touch, and the company has experience adjusting arrangements for families and changing weather.

Skip it if the price feels too high for a 15-minute flight, or if you cannot spare two flexible hours. For everyone else, this is one of the most direct ways to turn a Davos mountain day into a real memory. Keep your schedule open, dress for the conditions, and tell your pilot exactly how adventurous you want the flight to be.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding, Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, at the cable-car station in Davos Platz.

How high is the flight?

The flight covers a height difference of about 1,000 meters, beginning at Jakobshorn and descending toward Davos.

How long will I be in the air?

Airtime lasts about 15 to 35 minutes, depending on wind conditions. The complete activity takes about two hours.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. You do not need special skills or extreme fitness. You should have a moderate fitness level because the experience includes a 10 to 20-minute hike and short runs at takeoff and landing.

Are children allowed to participate?

Children under 12 can participate only on request. Families should contact Joyride Paragliding before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.