Stubai Valley: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Elferlift Ride

Summary

Soaring above Tyrol’s Stubai peaks with a tandem pilot

You’ll meet your certified tandem pilot in Neustift before riding the Elferlift up into the heart of Tyrol’s mountains. After a short run, you’ll glide high above Stubai Valley with sweeping views of peaks and villages below. Photos are included, plus time to relax back at the flight school lounge after landing — it’s an experience that lingers long after your feet touch down.

What’s the experience like?

I was honestly more nervous than I’d admit, standing at the meeting point in Neustift with my borrowed gloves bunched in my hand. The Stubai Valley looked calm from below — you could hear cowbells somewhere off to the left, and the air smelled like hay and something colder. Our pilot, Alex, grinned as he handed out helmets and cracked a joke about “first-timers’ knees.” He’d been flying here since before smartphones were a thing, apparently. We took the Elferlift up together — it’s one of those slow cable cars where you can see every pine needle sliding past. I tried not to stare too hard at the drop.

The take-off spot is just this grassy patch above everything. Alex explained how we’d run — “just ten meters, don’t stop!” — and then suddenly my feet weren’t on anything solid anymore. There’s this moment when you expect your stomach to drop but instead it’s just quiet wind and the whole Stubai Valley opening up underneath. You can see all the way to those 3,000-meter peaks; they look both close and impossibly far. My hands were cold but I couldn’t stop grinning. Alex pointed out little villages tucked into folds of green and told me which ones had the best strudel (I forgot instantly). If you’re looking for a day trip paragliding in Neustift or want to try tandem paragliding in Tyrol, this is what it actually feels like — not just a postcard.

Landing was softer than I thought — kind of like hopping off a curb if you close your eyes. Back at the flight school everyone looked flushed and happy, swapping stories over fizzy drinks in their little lounge while someone’s dog nosed around for crumbs. They transferred our photos straight to my phone (my hair looked wild), handed me a certificate that made me laugh out loud, and then we just sat watching new flyers drift down from the sky for a while. I still think about that first breath up there; it’s weirdly grounding even though you’re floating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding flight in Stubai Valley

• Meet at designated meeting point
• Bring gloves, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, jacket
• Take Elferlift to take-off point
• Pilot gives introduction and fits harness and helmet
• Run 10 meters and take off
• Enjoy flight over Stubai Valley mountains
• Land and pack paraglider with pilot
• Walk back to flight school
• Receive tandem paragliding certificate
• Get photos transferred to smartphone
• Relax in chill lounge with a drink

Top questions

How long does the tandem paragliding flight last?

The actual flight time varies depending on weather but typically lasts around 15-20 minutes.

Do I need prior experience for paragliding in Neustift?

No prior experience is needed; your certified pilot handles everything.

What should I wear for tandem paragliding in Tyrol?

Wear sturdy shoes, thin gloves, sunglasses, and a jacket suitable for the season.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at a designated meeting point in Neustift.

Are photos included with the tandem paragliding flight?

Yes, photos from your flight are transferred directly to your smartphone after landing.

Is this activity suitable for children or people with disabilities?

The activity is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams nearby but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How do we get to the take-off point?

You’ll ride together on the Elferlift cable car up to the launch area.

What happens after landing?

Your pilot helps pack up equipment; then you return to the flight school for photos and drinks in their lounge area.

What’s included

Your day includes a tandem paragliding flight over Stubai Valley with all gear provided by your certified pilot, an Elferlift cable car ride up to take-off, help packing up after landing, digital photos transferred right to your phone, plus time relaxing at the flight school lounge with drinks before heading out again.