Davos goes vertical, without a single pedal. This half-day tandem paragliding experience in Davos turns the Alps into an easy adventure you can do without training. You’ll meet your pilot right by Davos Platz cable cars, glide above the mountains, and come back close to where you started.

What I really like is how practical the whole setup feels. You get free stable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and the day is timed so you’re not guessing about the flow. Second, the flight options let you pick your style: one longer 40–60 minute airtime or two shorter flights, depending on wind.

One thing to consider: the cable cars ride is not included, so you should expect a seasonal extra cost. Also, you’ll need to share your height and weight ahead of time, because paragliding setup depends on that.

Key Things to Know Before You Fly in Davos

• Private tandem time with your own pilot: you’re not sharing instructions with strangers mid-flight.
• Two flight styles: either a single 40–60 minute glide or two 15–30 minute flights.
• Cable cars + a short hike: after the lift, there’s a 10–20 minute walk to the launch spot.
• Gear and clothing support: they provide suitable layers (winter ski-like, summer hiking-like) and stable shoes if you need them.
• Steering and maneuvers are optional: if you want more action, your pilot can show you how to control the glider.

Meeting Joyride Paragliding at Davos Platz: start where the cable cars run

Your day begins at Joyride Paragliding’s office at Brämabüelstrasse 9, in Davos Platz. This is a big deal because Davos can feel spread out. Here, you’re dropped into the right neighborhood instantly, and you can get oriented without stress.

When you arrive, you meet your pilot at the booking office by the cable cars station. The whole operation is designed around that sequence: meet, get suited up, store baggage, then head up. One of the practical wins I like is that you can drop your baggage in the office instead of carrying it around while you wait and walk.

Also, the staff approach comes through in the way the team communicates in their replies. A response signed by Robert mentions forwarding compliments to pilots named Peter and Mark. That signals a stable team, which matters because paragliding is all about confident, clear guidance.

What to watch for

The experience is in English, but you’re still dealing with mountain weather and quick timing. Be ready to move when they say move.

Cable cars and the 10–20 minute hike to the launch site

After meeting up, you and your pilot take the cable cars up toward the mountains. This matters for value and comfort. Instead of driving to a remote trailhead and figuring out parking, you start by using the same transport Davos is built around.

For the last stretch, there’s a short hike of about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the launch area. It’s not described as technical, but it is still hiking at altitude and in variable conditions. I’d think of it like a brisk walk you do in outdoor shoes, not a gentle stroll on flat ground.

Once you get there, your pilot handles the setup. They’ll explain takeoff and what to expect from the moment you’re on the slope.

The vibe on the ground

You don’t need special skills, but you do need to listen during the briefing. Takeoff is a few steps, then you’re airborne. Knowing how to hold your body and when to relax makes the moment feel smooth instead of surprising.

Clothing, shoes, and comfort: what they provide (and why it matters)

You won’t show up to paragliding in jeans and hope for the best. The operation lends stable shoes and suitable clothing for free, plus you can drop baggage at the office.

They tailor the clothing to the season: winter gear is described as ski-like, and summer gear is hiking-like. That’s exactly what you want in Davos. Mountain weather can turn quickly, and even on a bright day, wind makes you feel cooler once you’re up in the air.

Stable hiking shoes are still recommended, even if you get loaner footwear. If you wear shoes with good grip and ankle support, the hike feels easier and the setup on the launch slope feels steadier.

A practical tip

Bring layers you can peel on and off. Even with provided gear, you’ll often warm up while moving around before takeoff.

The flight plan: 4 hours set aside, with wind deciding airtime

The total booking reserves around 4 hours for the experience. In that time, you’ll handle meeting, cable car time, the hike, setup, flight(s), and the return.

Here’s the key part: your airtime depends on wind conditions, and you can choose between two formats. You’ll either get:

• A very long flight of 40 to 60 minutes, or
• Two “normal” flights, each 15 to 30 minutes

This is one of the smartest ways to run paragliding in mountains. Wind is the deciding factor for safety and smoothness, so the day remains flexible. You still get choice, but the pilot keeps the flight experience within the conditions that day allows.

How to choose your style

If you want the Alps as a slow, cinematic experience, go for the longer 40–60 minute option. If you prefer a quick hit plus another round (and don’t want to think about being in the air for a single stretch), the two-flight plan can feel like two mini adventures.

Either way, you’re sitting comfortably in front of your pilot. There’s no engine noise, and you’re not doing free-fall. It’s described as a smooth glide, which is exactly what first-timers tend to want.

Taking off, steering, and adding a bit of action

Takeoff is where the fear factor usually lives in your head. But the setup is straightforward. Your pilot explains the takeoff, then you’ll start with a few steps, and then you’re airborne.

In the air, you won’t be alone. You’ll be in tandem, seated in front of your pilot. That means you’re focused on scenery and feeling rather than technical control.

And yes, you can add more fun. If you’re keen for action, your pilot can show you how to steer the glider. The experience also offers the possibility of freestyle-style maneuvers, but only if conditions and the pilot’s plan allow it. So think of this as: relax by default, then add spice on request.

What you’ll likely notice first

Paragliding doesn’t feel loud or mechanical. It’s more like gliding through a moving atmosphere. That lack of engine noise is one of the best parts. You hear wind, you feel airflow changes, and the Alps look bigger than you expect.

Landing back near the meeting point: a quick finish, no long walk

Landing is close to where you started, with again a short run of a few steps. That matters because sometimes adventure days end with a long trek back to the car. Here, the landing is designed to bring you back quickly and keep the day feeling tight and easy.

After landing, you’ll return to the meeting point. The experience ends back where you started at the activity’s meeting location.

What to plan for after

Food and drinks are not included, so if you want a proper meal afterward, plan ahead. I’d also expect the day to make you hungry even if you don’t do much physical work beyond the hike.

Price and value for $475.73: what you’re truly buying

At $475.73 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it also isn’t just a seat on a ride. You’re paying for:

• A personal tandem pilot
• Free loaner clothing if you need it (winter ski-like or summer hiking-like)
• Free stable shoes if required
• A half-day slot that includes cable cars, hiking, glider setup, the flight experience, and the return

What’s not included is the cable cars fee, which varies by season. In summer, the Davos Klosters guest card can make cable cars free. That can turn this from “premium” to “surprisingly reasonable” depending on when you go.

Souvenir photos are also extra, and if you want them, you’ll purchase them on-site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, so you’ll either arrange your own route or confirm what’s included with your specific booking option.

The value question I’d ask myself

If you want the Alps in the air with minimal fuss, and you like the idea of choosing a long flight or two shorter ones, the private tandem format is the value. If you’re looking for the cheapest thrill possible, you’ll likely compare poorly. This is the sort of experience where paying more buys you comfort, timing, and confident guidance.

Who should book this Davos tandem paraglide?

This is built for people who want to fly without needing training. You don’t need special skills, and extreme fitness isn’t required, but you do need moderate physical fitness.

A few important constraints:

• Minimum age is 12 years
• Max 4 people per booking
• All passenger heights and weight must be advised at booking
• You’ll be walking (about 10–20 minutes) to the launch site

If you’re traveling as a couple, a small family, or a group of friends, the small max group size makes it feel more personal. You’re also getting a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Best matches

• First-timers who want a guided, comfortable flight
• People who prefer choosing the flight length (long glide vs two shorter rounds)
• Travelers who want a straightforward activity with a clear meeting point

Not ideal for

If you’re uncomfortable with a short hike at altitude or you don’t want to handle seasonal clothing needs, you might find the day more challenging than expected.

Practical logistics: getting there from Davos (and from Geneva if offered)

The meeting point is fixed at Brämabüelstrasse 9 in Davos Platz, right by the cable cars station area. That’s easy for independent travelers: get to Davos Platz, then follow the simple office meeting routine.

One detail worth checking: the highlights mention hassle-free round-trip travel from your Geneva hotel, but hotel pickup/drop-off is also listed as not included. So if you’re planning to start in Geneva, confirm what’s included in your exact booking before you count on transport.

Also check the season

Because cable cars fees vary and the provided clothing changes by season, your overall out-of-pocket cost can shift. Summer might be cheaper for lift access if you qualify for the guest card. Winter might feel warmer on your body due to the ski-like clothing they provide, but you’ll still dress for cold and wind.

Final thoughts: should you book Davos Paragliding with Joyride?

I’d book this if you want the Alps from above, with a pilot handling the technical side and you choosing the flight length. The smooth, engine-free glide plus the option to learn steering or try maneuvers strikes a nice balance between calm sightseeing and real adventure.

I’d hesitate only if you’re sensitive to altitude walking or you’re trying to keep costs ultra-low, since cable cars fees and optional photos add to the total.

If you like clear meeting points, you don’t want complicated prep, and you want a private tandem experience with a small group, this is a strong choice in Davos.

FAQ

Where do I meet the pilot?

You meet at Joyride Paragliding’s office at Brämabüelstrasse 9, 7270 Davos, Switzerland, at the cable cars station in Davos Platz.

How long is the whole experience?

The booking reserves about 4 hours total.

How long is the actual time flying?

Depending on wind conditions, you’ll get either one flight of about 40 to 60 minutes or two flights of about 15 to 30 minutes each.

Do I need paragliding experience?

No. You won’t need special skills, and there’s no extreme fitness requirement.

What should I wear?

You’ll be lent suitable clothing and stable shoes. Stable hiking shoes are recommended, and winter gear is described as ski-like while summer gear is hiking-like.

Is the cable cars ride included?

No. Cable cars fees depend on the season. In summer, the Davos Klosters guest card may make cable cars free.

Is this a private group or shared with others?

This is private. Only your group participates, with a maximum of 4 people per booking.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, the minimum age is 12 years.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.