No experience or training is required for you the passenger, however the pilots are fully qualified and experienced to ensure a safe and joyful flight. Before takeoff all passengers are given a short briefing by their pilot. Moments later you will be soaring through the air, seated comfortably, wondering why you were so nervous!

There are no age restrictions for being a tandem passenger. The oldest passenger so far was 96 and the youngest 2.5 years old. For those under the age of 16 we will require consent from a parent or guardian. In terms of physical fitness all that is required is the ability to take a few quick steps at takeoff. We can generally take passengers weighing up to 120kg (265lbs), though above 100kg (220lbs) we do need to assess the conditions carefully before deciding whether or not it is possible to take you.

Tandem paragliding has an excellent safety record, both within our company and throughout Switzerland. It is true that there are generally a number of serious accidents each year throughout the world involving mainly solo pilots, but obtaining a professional tandem licence in Switzerland is a very involved, lengthy, costly and rigorous process, which means that only the best pilots get through. In all of our combined years of tandem flying we have experienced a couple of grazed knees and a sprained ankle.

In winter, if you are on a skiing holiday, then your ski clothes are ideal. Be sure to bring your best gloves, a scarf or face warmer and some type of warm hat. Good boots are recommended as we may have to walk through some deeper snow. Bring your video or still camera with you. In winter though, make sure that the battery is fully charged as they tend to go flat very quickly during the flight due to the cold air.

You need to allow about 1.5 hours for flights from Rothorn, Blauherd and Riffelberg and 2 hours for flights from Klein Matterhorn.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in the high alpine environment of Zermatt, but are generally more predictable in the mornings. Plan you flight for the earlier part of the day to minimize the risk of missing out.

Paragliders are non-rigid, crescent shaped wings made from nylon fabric. Air flows into openings at the front of the wing to inflate the glider and give its shape. The pilot and passenger are seated in comfortable harnesses and suspended below the wing on a number of high strength lines.

Paragliders, like any other type of glider, are non-powered and will always glide at a certain angle towards the ground. To stay up for longer the trick is to find rising air currents (thermals) and circle around in them to gain height, just like eagles do!

The material is high strength rip-stop nylon, each main line can hold 80-120 kg (12 per side) and the carabiners on each side can hold 2.6 tonnes. Gliders are load tested to six times their maximum weight limit. Strong enough for you?

Yes you can! Each pilot has a specially designed extendable pole with a wide angle camera mounted on it to take stunning shots of you and the panorama from all sorts of crazy angles. If time allows the pilot will also take a digital video of your flight. Your photos and video can be viewed in the office on a large screen after your flight. Our in-flight photo service is an optional extra and costs 30 SFr for which you will receive a minimum of 15 photos burnt onto an Alpine Adventures Paragliding CD. Visit the Alpine Adventures Paragliding Zermatt office for a preview.

We can make each flight as smooth or as crazy as you like, that is the beauty of paragliding! Although we can glide smoothly from takeoff to landing, most people are comfortable and curious enough to ask for a few "rollercoaster turns" later in their flight. During the flight your pilot will regularly check on how you are feeling as our goal is most definitely not to make you feel sick. The air can be a bit bumpy later in the day in spring and summer so our advice is not to fly on a full stomach.

Depending on the weather conditions and our booking schedule it may be possible to extend your flight. As paragliders need to circle in rising air currents (thermals) to stay up for longer, this is only possible from spring till mid autumn. Check with your pilot or with the Alpine Adventures Paragliding Zermatt office for costs. Extended flights must be arrange prior to takeoff.

How about a climb to a peak over 4000m followed by an amazing flight over the tumbling icefalls and seracs of several glaciers. The Breithorn Experience will put you into a very small and elite club indeed. This experience involves a guided climb of approximately two hours from Klein Matterhorn up to the peak of the Breithorn. After taking in the spectacular view of Switzerland and Italy we then launch from just below the summit, covering an altitude difference of around 2500m before landing close by the train station in Zermatt. This experience is not cheap, not for the faint hearted, nor the unfit. Enquire at the Alpine Adventures Paragliding Zermatt office or call us on +41 (0)79 643 6808 for more details.