Zermatt is already a mesmerizing place. With its snow-covered peaks, fairy-tale wooden chalets, and quiet, elegant streets, it feels like time slows down in this mountain village. But my ski vacation there was taken to an entirely new level with one unforgettable experience: paragliding.
We first learned we could paraglide in Zermatt when we saw a sign while out for a walk. On the evening of our arrival, we were enjoying a snowy stroll through a dimly lit street on our way to dinner. About 500 meters from the restaurant, we noticed a sign on the left side of the road that read “Paragliding in Zermatt.” I turned to my friend and said, “It’d be amazing to try something like this on our trip.” When my friend replied, “I love doing crazy things like that, let’s do it together,” I snapped a photo of the sign and told him, “Let’s call them tomorrow.”
The second sign we stumbled upon
The next morning, while skiing near the iconic peak of Zermatt—Matterhorn—we spotted another sign above a cabin that read “Zermatt Paragliding.” I took a photo of that one too, determined to call later and set up a flight for the next day.
For those who might not know, Matterhorn is the mountain depicted on Toblerone chocolate bars and is one of Switzerland’s most iconic symbols.
Booking the earliest flight time
After skiing all morning, we headed to a restaurant called Fluhalp around 1:00 p.m., located right in the middle of the slopes. There was a serious line out front (about 40 people), but thankfully my friend had made reservations everywhere in advance. So, we were seated immediately at a table on the outdoor terrace. The weather was spectacular. In the brilliant sunshine, we shed our gloves, hats, jackets, and other gear. After placing our food order, I called the number from the paragliding sign. They offered us three time slots for the next day. I told them, “Let us think about it and get back to you via WhatsApp.” We ended up choosing the earliest possible slot and confirmed our flight with the company that way. To avoid getting dizzy mid-air, we had breakfast early the next morning and took an electric shuttle to the base of one of Zermatt’s two main cable cars. Since the lifts, cable cars, and ski runs open at 8:00 a.m., we met our paragliding instructors at 7:30 a.m. After a brief chat, the two instructors, my friend, and I boarded the cable car. To reach one of Zermatt’s highest points—where we had seen the cabin the day before—we transferred between two cable cars. The instructors had a very practical setup. All the gear (the parachute and other essentials) fit neatly into a single large backpack.
In the early morning light, as a gentle glow settled over the village, we reached the launch area near the peak of Zermatt. Just below the cabin, on a flat stretch of land, the instructors began their preparations.
The acrobatic flight option
In front of us was an endless panorama of mountains, glaciers, and sky. Having hung glided before, I wasn’t nervous at all. I was calm. My friend, despite this being his first time flying, was also composed. The atmosphere was so peaceful that taking flight felt completely natural. Just before takeoff, the instructors gave us a quick briefing—how the preparations would go, what to do during takeoff, how to behave in the air, how we’d land, and whether we wanted to add a bit of “madness” to the experience. My friend opted for a regular flight, but I told my instructor, “Let’s go for the acrobatics.”
After the short instruction, my instructor and I positioned the parachute, then started running along the flat surface. After a few seconds, we paused—then ran again—and within 1–2 seconds, we were airborne.
The indescribable joy of flying like a bird
And that moment… For the first time, I felt like a bird. Looking down on the majestic Matterhorn from above, watching the village of Zermatt from a bird’s-eye view, gliding like a speck within the vast expanse of the Alps… It’s hard to describe the feeling. It wasn’t just a physical flight—it felt like a spiritual lightness. My instructor was highly experienced and had everything under perfect control. As we danced with the wind, the flight lasted about 20–25 minutes, but it felt like time stood still. The people and buildings below looked tiny. Soaring through the air, you get a real sense of how birds see the world and feel the full thrill of flying. The way the sunlight slowly lit up the mountains made being up there even more special. My instructor was constantly filming and taking photos while we chatted the whole time.
We glided over the slopes where we had launched, flew above Zermatt, and continued toward the peaks of the opposite mountains. Realizing I was open to adventurous experiences, my instructor brought us quite close to the mountainside, sweeping along at a slanted angle almost as if we were brushing the surface. After flying like that along both sides of the mountain, we rose again, and mid-air, the instructor asked me: “Are you ready for acrobatics? Shall we go for it?”
Like a Tumbling Pigeon…
He wanted my confirmation before starting. And since I was thoroughly enjoying the flight, I told him, “Let’s do it.” Then he said, “Here we go,” and suddenly began tilting our paraglider sharply from side to side. Then we started spinning in place, and finally, he did something akin to a backward somersault in the air.
I was both amazed and trying to figure out how he was pulling it all off. Up to that point, I hadn’t felt any discomfort during the flight—but after those final spins and the backward flip, I can honestly say my stomach got a bit queasy. It was like being on a roller coaster, only much higher and with infinite angles of movement.
He asked me how I was doing, and I replied honestly: “My stomach’s a little upset, but I’m good—I had an amazing time.” The instructor said, “That’s totally normal. You held up well. Even people who fly straight often throw up mid-air, but you even withstood the acrobatics. We’re professionals, so we don’t feel anything anymore, but even pros struggle when they’re starting out.”
From the Sky to the Landing
That little exchange made me realize I might have the makings of a future paragliding or parachuting enthusiast. Of course, I’m not actually planning on diving into that world, but after this experience, one of the things I now want to try someday is skydiving from an airplane.
While still in the air, I spotted my friend who had launched right after me. We waved to each other and shouted across the sky, grinning from ear to ear. We moved in circles around each other briefly, and while they glided toward the other side of the slope, we began our descent.
By this point, I was flooded with emotions. That sense of freedom that only birds know, the sheer beauty of the landscape, and the realization that the problems that seem huge on the ground don’t matter at all when you’re up so high—it all left a deep impression on me.
Eventually, the instructor said, “We’re heading in for landing,” and we began to descend in wide, graceful arcs. As soon as our feet touched the ground on a flat hilltop near the railway tracks, we ran a few steps to slow down, and then with the parachute collapsing behind us, our flight came to an end. The moment we landed, I was overwhelmed with a mix of joy and gratitude—for having had this experience and for getting the chance to do it in Zermatt of all places.
An Unforgettable, Fantastic Memory
We immediately unbuckled all the safety gear and removed the accessories strapped to us. Once I felt lighter, I tried to help the instructor gather up the equipment, but he was so professional that he politely refused: “No need, I’ve got this.” Then, with the discipline of a machine, he neatly folded the parachute and packed everything back into the backpack.
Just then, we saw my friend beginning his descent with his instructor, and we jogged over to the landing zone together. My instructor pulled out his camera and filmed their landing. Ours had been calm and quiet, but my friend’s descent was anything but—he came down screaming with joy at the top of his lungs. After landing, he lay on the ground for a while, overwhelmed with relief, and I helped him back to his feet.
It was an incredible memory for both of us. At the end of it all, my instructor said, “We’d really appreciate it if you could leave a positive review on our social media.” And I said, “Absolutely.”
So, as promised, I’m recommending this amazing experience to anyone planning a trip to Zermatt (as long as you’re not afraid of heights). I’m sharing their contact info below:
Zermatt Paragliding:
Website: https://www.zermattparagliding.com/
Phone: +41 79 743 43 05
Paragliding Tips
For readers interested in giving paragliding a try, here are some practical tips:
- Flight Duration:
Flights typically last between 20 – 30 minutes. Take-off times vary throughout the day, but I recommend booking as early in the morning as possible. That way, you catch the tranquil atmosphere, the rising sun, and the most stunning colors in the sky.
- Launch Point:
The instructors take you up the mountain from the meeting point via two separate cable cars. The launch sites are usually in the Rothorn or Gornergrat areas.
- Equipment & Safety:
All the gear is provided professionally, and you fly tandem with a certified instructor. No prior experience is needed. That said, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the instructor’s briefing before and during the flight—and to follow all safety instructions to the letter.
- Clothing:
Wear layered clothing that keeps you warm but isn’t too bulky. Gloves and secure-fitting sunglasses or ski goggles are highly recommended. Since it’s colder at altitude, instructors also provide additional gear if needed. We were lucky to fly on a mild day, so our ski wear was sufficient. But if you go on a cold or windy day, you might need extra layers. And helmets are non-negotiable—you’ll be provided with one that fits properly.
- Camera:
Instructors record your flight using a GoPro, capturing both photos and video. These incredible memories can be transferred directly to your phone after the flight via a special device.
A Must-Try If You Have the Chance
Paragliding in Zermatt adds a whole new dimension to a ski holiday. Taking off from the peaks is not just a physical experience, it’s an emotional one, too. If you ever find yourself in Zermatt, don’t limit yourself to just skiing on the mountain. Spread your wings and take to the sky as well. Flying above the Alps and witnessing nature’s raw beauty from above creates a memory that will stay with you forever.
As someone who believes the secret to a happy life lies in collecting meaningful experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend paragliding—if you have the chance and aren’t afraid of heights.
Tag: memory
