xyz99

We’ll be in the BO area for 6 nights in early August, and I am trying to figure out options for paragliding or hang gliding in the area.

I’ve never done anything similar, so if you have, how was it? Do you need any other prior experience, certificate, etc? Sounds exciting, but can I do it if I’m afraid of heights? Do you do it alone or with an instructor? Can you take pictures from above? If there is a choice (paragliding or hang gliding), which one is preferable and why? Any outfitter that you can recommend?

Sorry for all these questions, but I can’t find many posts here about it. Thanks a lot.

kleeblatt

They offer tandem flights (piggy-back) where you can fly with a trained pilot. I believe both kinds of flying are offered. Check out Berner Oberland websites.

kappa

So far, I have not done either paragliding nor hangliding myself. Friends of mine have done paragliging. That seems easier than hangliding. Technique-wise (not sure though) and equipment-wise. But as I said,

There are a few places where they do tandem paragliding I can think of in Berner Oberland. One I'm sure is at the top of First, where you can reach by cable cars from Grindelwald village. The view is magnificent, Grindelwald village below and Glaciers and Jungfrau and other mountains on the other side.

> Do you do it alone or with an instructor?

If you have never done it before, I cannot imagine you fly alone. Naturally, you do tandem. And if you are scared of hight, what is the point of doing it? To scare yourself?

kappa

But as I said, I have never done it myself so this is just my impression.

_jinx_

My son and I have done the paragliding in Interlaken--and it was a terrific thrill. We took off with our instructer from the Schynige Platte, caught the thermals, and soared like an eagle for 45 minutes! It is absolutely breathtaking and the views are unparalleled.

We last flew in 2004 and the price was around $200. They fly from other peaks in the area---Murren, Schilthorn, Niederhorn, and Beatenberg.

The company we used is AlpinAir Paragliding. Telephone is 079 583 83 83. Go and do it!!!

Jinx Hoover

xyz99

Schuler,
Good to know about the tandem rides. I’ll definitely look into that.

Kappa,
Yes, I am afraid of heights, but of drop-offs – I love flying, and I think paragliding (or hang gliding) is more like flying that like standing by the side of a huge drop-off. Not sure of what exactly to expect, that’s why I’m asking.
I would not do it to scare myself, I am not a thrill seeker, and I don’t like roller coasters. But flying, feeling like a bird, that’s something I would like to experience.

Jinx, thanks for the details on price and outfitter. I just hope they have a good safety record…any tips on what to wear for this? How high in the air do you get? Is it really cold up there? Any tips appreciated, thanks.

_jinx_

Taking off, you run down an incline with your instructor and parasail gently lifts you up and you are gone for the thrill of a lifetime. It is a very safe sport, especially done with expert instructors. You will consider it one of your top thrills, I promise.

Just a light jacket or sweater will suffice. In August, it will be very comfortable.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

sebinah

Last July we watched tandem rides in Murren.

enzian

Another place to try is Paragliding Jungfrau:

http://www.paragliding-jungfrau.ch/

They offer tandem jumps, starting from either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.

nannibray

Is it rediculous for a 70 year old woman to consider this? - the tanden flight?

_jinx_

I was 69 when I parasailed. I have sky-dived, soared in a glider, and ridden in a hot air balloon--none of these remotely compares to the freedom and exhilaration of parasailing.

I forgot to mention that the parasailing instructors can take a video or still pictures of your "big moment". And our instructor was featured on a National Geographic special filmed in New Zealand.

Go for it!!!

Jinx Hoover

xyz99

Thank you all, this is great info.
Jinx, good to know about “what to wear” and the confirmation that AlpinAir Paragliding is a reputable company. Safety is important here
I did not do anything like this before, did not ride in a glider, did not ride a hot air balloon (hope to do that someday in Tuscany or Cappadocia) but I really want to try paragliding.

Enzian,
We’ll stay in Wengen – the Lauterbrunnen one seems more convenient, but the views from Grindelwald look better. Hard decision…

Nannibray, I think it’s fantastic that you’re considering it. All I can say is, I hope I’ll consider this kind of activity when I’ll be your age. Go for it! When are you going?

nannibray

We will be in the BO (Wengen) fo 6 days - June 21 -27,2008. We hope the weather will be great! Anybody know if there is much RAIN this time of year??

nannibray

Where is the BEST place to start from - Interlaken or the Lauterbrunnen Valley region - ie. Murren or Wengen or Grindlewald??

kleeblatt

No one can forecast the weather here. You might have lots of rain or none at all.

enzian

Or rain one day and beautiful sunshine th enext, like we did our whole trip.

xyz99

nannibray,
I'm interest to know that, too.

So, for the best views "Where is the BEST place to start from - Interlaken or the Lauterbrunnen Valley region - ie. Murren or Wengen or Grindlewald??
"
Thanks