Parasailing in Zermatt: Tandem Flight over the Matterhorn

Launch from high altitude with the Matterhorn in front of you

Tandem paragliding in Zermatt takes you airborne from Riffelberg or Blauherd (weather dependent) for a 15–20 minute flight over the valley with unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. A fully licensed Swiss pilot handles the flight while you experience the view. All equipment is provided and no prior experience is required. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the pilot speaks English, French or German.

The experience

Riffelberg or Blauherd sits at 2,600 meters, high enough that the takeoff itself is the view. Your pilot (trained and licensed in Switzerland with years of experience) handles the wing and the controls while you sit in the harness and watch the Matterhorn grow closer or fall away depending on the thermals. The flight lasts 15–20 minutes and ends with a landing back in Zermatt. Weather decides whether the flight happens on the day you book or shifts to another time. If conditions make it unsafe, you get a full refund.

The cable car or railway ticket up to the takeoff point is separate from the flight price, though your pilot will help you buy it when you meet at the station. If you hold a SwissPass, halffare card, PeakPass or Skipass, bring it along: the pass covers the ride or gives you a 50% discount. The flight itself includes a helmet, gloves and a flight suit if the temperature calls for it. Paragliding depends entirely on weather and wind. Sometimes the team moves your slot to a different hour or day to guarantee good conditions rather than a marginal flight.

Children from age 5 can fly tandem with a pilot. The upper weight limit is 100 kg (220 lbs), and the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or during pregnancy. On the first flight of the day, the pilot takes only lighter, more agile passengers to make the most of early-morning thermals.

What’s included

• All paragliding equipment including helmet, gloves and flight suit.
• tandem flight with a fully licensed Swiss pilot.
• live guide in English, French or German.
• landing back in Zermatt.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30Last departure this season: 1 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 50

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Matterhorn Paragliding

Is this one for you?The flight takes 15–20 minutes in the air and about 90 minutes total from meeting your pilot to landing, so it fits easily into a morning or afternoon in Zermatt without consuming a full day. Takeoff depends on weather and wind direction, which sometimes means rescheduling to a different time or day for safe conditions.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need any paragliding experience to book this flight?

No experience is required. The pilot manages the entire flight. You sit in the harness and experience the view while they handle the wing, the takeoff and the landing.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

Paragliding is weather dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the flight is cancelled and you receive a full refund. The team may also ask to reschedule you for a different time or day to ensure you get a good flight rather than a marginal one.

Is the cable car ticket to the takeoff point included in the price?

The cable car or railway ticket up to Riffelberg or Blauherd is not included in the flight price. Your pilot will help you purchase it when you meet at the station. If you have a SwissPass, halffare card, PeakPass or Skipass, bring it. You'll get a 50% discount or full coverage depending on which pass you hold.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what does the operator provide?

Bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The operator provides a helmet, gloves and a flight suit if needed for warmth. No other gear is required.

What is the weight and age limit for this activity?

Participants must weigh no more than 100 kg (220 lbs) and be at least age 5. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers, and a moderate level of physical fitness is needed.