FAQ Summer Paragliding
What to Wear and How to Book
So, you decided you want to do it: Paragliding in Interlaken. But before you hit the book button for your tandem flight, a few very practical summer questions usually pop up. Can I wear my favorite sunglasses? Is it freezing up there when it’s 30°C on the ground? What do I do with my massive travel backpack?
To make your trip planning completely stress-free, we put together this straightforward summer guide. Here are the exact answers to the most common questions our Skywings team gets during the peak July and August season.
Your Top Summer Questions Answered
1. What should I wear?
While it might be a scorching summer day down on the Höhematte, remember that we will be driving up to Beatenberg (Amisbühl) for takeoff, which is significantly higher up. As we glide through the air, the wind makes it feel cooler than it is on the ground.
Footwear: This is the most important part. You need sturdy, closed-toe shoes (like sneakers or hiking boots). Sandals, flip-flops, or slip-ons are a no-go because you need to take a few quick steps during takeoff.
Clothing: Shorts and a T-shirt are perfectly fine on warm days. However, we highly recommend bringing a light windbreaker or long-sleeve shirt just in case. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, your pilot can provide a flight jacket.
Pilot Lewis shows you what to wear 👇🏽
2. Can I wear my sunglasses or glasses?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend wearing sunglasses during the summer. They protect your eyes from the wind and the bright alpine sun, ensuring you get the best possible view of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Don’t worry about them falling off; the wind pressure and your helmet strap will keep them securely in place. The same goes for prescription glasses.
3. Can I bring my backpack or luggage?
Space in our transport van and inside the pilot’s harness is limited.
Small items: Small backpacks, purses, or cameras can easily be stored safely in our locked van or at our base while you fly.
Large luggage: If you are arriving straight from the train station with big suitcases, please try to use the luggage lockers at Interlaken Ost or West station before your flight. If that is not possible, let us know beforehand so we can find a solution at our meeting point.
4. Can I take my own phone or GoPro into the air?
To ensure everyone’s safety on the ground, loose items are not allowed in the air. A dropped phone from 1,000 meters high is a serious hazard.
If you have a GoPro with a secure, professional mount, show it to your pilot at the launch site. They will decide if it is safe to use.
Tip: Your pilot is equipped with a high-quality camera on an extension pole and will take spectacular high-resolution photos and videos of your entire flight anyway. You can easily view and purchase these right after landing.
5. How far in advance should I book in July and August?
Summer is absolute peak season in Interlaken. Slots fill up fast, especially the popular midday and afternoon flights when the thermal conditions are ideal for staying in the air longer.
We highly recommend booking at least 3 to 5 days in advance. If you are traveling in a larger group or want a specific time slot, booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is your safest bet.
6. What happens if the summer weather changes?
Summer in the Swiss Alps can bring spontaneous thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. Our pilots check the wind and weather radar constantly.
If the conditions are unsafe, we will cancel the flight. In this case, we will try to reschedule your flight to an earlier or later slot on the same day, or move it to the next day. If your travel itinerary doesn’t allow for a reschedule, you will receive a full refund. Safety always comes first!
Curious about how rainy days work? Check out our detailed guide on whether paragliding is possible when it rains for a full breakdown of flying in wet weather.
Ready to see Interlaken from above?
Don’t let the summer pass by without ticking this off your bucket list. Slots are filling up quickly this week. Find your perfect time slot, pack your sneakers, and let’s get airborne!