Paragliding Davos Early Bird (Video & Photos Included)

The Alps look different from above. This early-morning tandem flight from Jakobshorn gives you nearly 1,000 meters of height difference, broad views over Davos, and a calm start before the day gets busy. I like the early departure, which is chosen for pleasant flight conditions, and the fact that a FOCA-licensed pilot handles the flight while you take in the scenery. The main thing to consider is that the cable car ticket costs extra, so the advertised price is not the full cost of getting up the mountain.

This is a private activity for your group, rather than a large shared outing. That matters when you want personal attention, especially if this is your first flight. The included photos and video also add real value, since you can enjoy the moment instead of worrying about holding a camera in the air.

Key points at a glance

• Early 8:00 am start: Morning timing is chosen for pleasant flying conditions and clear Alpine views.
• Jakobshorn launch: The flight begins high above Davos, with about 1,000 meters of height difference.
• Private instruction: Only your group participates, with a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot guiding the flight.
• Photos and video included: You receive a record of the flight without paying an extra media fee.
• Clothing supplied: Good shoes, a jacket, gloves, and other flight clothing are provided.
• Cable car extra: You need to pay for the ride up to Jakobshorn, though a guest card may reduce the summer fare.

Why an early flight from Jakobshorn works so well

The timing is the heart of this outing. You meet at Bahnhofstrasse 11 in Davos at 8:00 am, then prepare for a morning flight from Jakobshorn. Early hours are selected because conditions are often pleasant and the air can be well suited to a smooth tandem flight.

That does not mean the weather is guaranteed. Paragliding depends on safe conditions, and the activity can be canceled if the weather is poor. You receive the choice of another date or a full refund in that situation. I see this as a sensible safety rule, not a flaw, but it does mean you should avoid placing the flight on the one morning when your whole holiday schedule depends on it.

The morning setting also gives the outing a clear mood. Davos is quieter, the light can be clean over the mountains, and you are not spending a full day on a demanding activity. The listed duration is about one hour and 45 minutes, but that includes the meeting and flight arrangements, not 105 minutes in the air. The actual flight length can depend on conditions.

Getting ready at Bahnhofstrasse 11

The meeting point is at Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, close to public transportation. That makes the start fairly simple if you are staying in Davos or arriving by train or local transport. You should plan to arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and be ready for the 8:00 am start.

This is not a self-guided mountain outing. Your pilot and the Air-Davos team handle the equipment and explain what you need to know before takeoff. The personal format helps here. With only your group participating, you can ask questions without trying to catch instructions in a crowd.

You need a moderate level of fitness. The experience does not call for a serious athletic background, but you should be comfortable taking part in the physical movements required for a tandem launch and landing. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, maximum weight, or exact flight time, so those are sensible details to confirm before booking if they affect your plans.

Riding up to Jakobshorn

The cable car ticket is not included. You will need to budget for that separately, although summer reductions may be available with a guest card. This extra cost is easy to overlook when comparing the $222.07 per-person price with other activities.

Still, the price covers more than a basic ride in the air. It includes the tandem flight, paragliding equipment, a licensed pilot, clothing for the flight, photos, and video. Since media packages can cost extra on adventure activities, the included images improve the value.

The cable car is also part of the setting, even though it is not part of the listed price. You are not being driven to an anonymous launch point. The flight begins from Jakobshorn, one of the defining mountain areas around Davos, and the lift gets you to the starting height without a long uphill walk.

Launching above Davos

At Jakobshorn, the pilot prepares the tandem equipment and talks you through the next steps. You are connected to the pilot, and the two of you fly together under the same paraglider. The supplied clothing includes good shoes, a jacket, gloves, and similar items needed for the flight.

The launch itself is the part many first-timers worry about. Reports from the activity describe the staff as calm, professional, and clear with their explanations. One particularly positive account names Martin as a relaxed pilot who created a strong sense of security on a first flight. That is useful information if you feel nervous: the tone appears to be reassuring rather than theatrical.

You should still expect to take an active role at takeoff. A tandem flight is not the same as sitting in a machine while someone else does everything. Your pilot gives instructions, and you follow them. The activity requires moderate fitness, so listen closely and let the pilot set the pace.

The flight and its 1,000-meter drop

Once airborne, the main reward is the view. The stated height difference is about 1,000 meters, giving you a long, open descent above Davos and the surrounding Alpine peaks. The sense of height comes from the mountain setting itself, not from a short launch followed by an immediate landing.

The flight can feel peaceful rather than frantic. You are suspended beneath the wing, with the pilot managing the paraglider and you watching the mountains pass below. In good conditions, the air may allow a longer, more scenic flight. Weather remains the deciding factor, so no responsible operator can promise identical views or flight behavior on every morning.

One recorded flight took place under overcast skies at first, then opened up enough to reveal snow-covered Jakobshorn and even a rainbow. That is a good reminder that mountain weather can change quickly. It also explains why the team keeps safety ahead of a fixed schedule. A dramatic sky can make the flight memorable, but only when conditions are suitable for flying.

The experience is described in English, which is important if you need clear instructions in that language. The pilot’s explanations are not a minor extra. In a tandem flight, understanding what to do before launch and landing helps you stay relaxed and enjoy the view.

Landing and returning to the meeting point

The activity ends back at the meeting point. You are not left to arrange a separate return from a remote landing area, which makes the morning easier to fit around other plans in Davos.

The total time is about one hour and 45 minutes. That gives room for preparation, the mountain transfer, the flight, and the return, though exact timing can shift with weather and operations. I would leave a generous gap before a train, restaurant reservation, or another paid activity.

The end of the flight is also when the included photos and video matter most. You can receive a visual record of the flight rather than trying to use your own phone in the air. The supplied details do not explain how the files are delivered or how many images you receive, so ask Air-Davos if the media format matters to you.

What the private format adds

This is a private activity, and only your group participates. That does not necessarily mean the pilot is assigned to each person for the entire morning, but it does mean you are not placed into a large public group during the activity.

I like this format for a first flight. You can raise concerns, ask for an explanation, and focus on the pilot’s instructions without a crowd around you. It also suits couples, families, and small groups who want to share one unusual mountain memory.

The private setup may be less important to confident visitors who simply want the lowest possible price. At $222.07 per person, this is a premium morning activity, especially after adding the cable car fare. The value comes from the licensed pilot, supplied equipment and clothing, private attention, and included media. If you mainly want a view from Jakobshorn, hiking or riding the lift alone will cost less.

Safety, comfort, and the pilot’s role

The pilots are FOCA licensed, which provides an important professional standard for tandem flying in Switzerland. The strongest praise for the activity centers on feeling safe, clear explanations, and a relaxed atmosphere. Those are exactly the qualities you want in a flight where your pilot controls the paraglider.

The equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring paragliding gear. Flight clothing is also included, with good shoes, a jacket, gloves, and related items available. You should still dress in a practical way and avoid bringing anything loose or awkward, though the supplied information does not give a detailed packing list.

Do not book this as a passive sightseeing ride if you dislike heights or feel unable to follow physical instructions. The activity calls for moderate fitness, and weather can change the plan. On the other hand, the reports of calm pilots and professional organization make it a reasonable choice for a first tandem flight.

Is $222.07 a fair price?

The price is high compared with a standard mountain excursion, but the package is broader than a simple flight. You receive:

• A tandem paragliding ride
• All paragliding equipment for the flight
• A FOCA-licensed tandem pilot
• Flight clothing, including shoes, a jacket, and gloves
• Photos
• Video
• A private activity for your group

The cable car is the key extra expense. Summer visitors may receive a reduction with a guest card, but you should check the actual fare before booking. That extra cost does not erase the value of the package, but it changes the total budget.

I would call the price fair for someone who wants a private, guided flight with media included. It is less attractive for anyone comparing it with ordinary sightseeing or a short mountain ride. You are paying for a special activity, professional handling, and a souvenir you can keep, not simply for transport up Jakobshorn.

Who should book this Davos flight?

This suits you if you want a memorable Alpine activity without committing to a full day. It is especially good for first-time paragliders who value patient instructions and personal attention.

It also works well for a small group that wants to share the same flight setting, provided each person meets the moderate fitness requirement. The English-language offering helps if you want instructions in English.

I would think twice if your schedule is tight, your budget does not allow for the extra cable car ticket, or you need a guaranteed flight time. Weather may force a new date or cancellation, and the actual flight experience will change with the morning conditions.

Booking and cancellation details to know

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is near public transportation. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the 8:00 am start are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time in Davos. If Air-Davos cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

That policy gives you useful flexibility, but mountain weather still deserves respect. Keep your schedule open enough to accept a new date if necessary, especially during a short stay.

Should you book the Air-Davos Early Bird?

I would book this if you want the thrill of a first tandem flight, care about Alpine views, and value a private setup with photos and video included. The early start is practical, the Jakobshorn setting is impressive, and the strongest feedback points to calm pilots, clear explanations, and solid organization.

I would not choose it simply because it is the cheapest way to see Davos from above. It is not. Add the cable car cost, allow for weather changes, and remember that the advertised 1 hour and 45 minutes covers the whole activity rather than guaranteed airtime.

For an adventure that fits into one morning and leaves you with a record of the flight, this is a strong choice. The best reason to book is not the promise of a perfect sky. It is the combination of a high mountain launch, a licensed pilot, personal attention, and the chance to see Davos from a completely different angle.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

The meeting point is Bahnhofstrasse 11, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts about 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 a guest card.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a tandem paragliding ride, flight equipment, a FOCA-licensed tandem pilot, photos, video, and clothing such as good shoes, a jacket, and gloves.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.