Cross Country Tandem Flight over the Zermatt Valley
Cross country tandem paragliding is about travelling through the air, not just gliding down to the valley. With your pilot, you use the thermals to stay up and fly across the Zermatt valley, over villages, ridges and mountain pastures, with the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks always in view. It is our longest single flight, with around 35 minutes of airtime, and no experience is needed.
Flight at a glance
| Take-off | Rothorn, Gornergrat, Rotenboden, Riffelberg, Blauherd or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, depending on the route of the day |
| Altitude | From approx. 2,200 to 3,883 m above sea level, depending on the route |
| Airtime | Approx. 35 minutes (shorter in winter) |
| Total duration | Approx. 2 hours |
| Availability | Almost year-round, weather permitting |
| Price | CHF 420 per person |
| Photos & video | Optional GoPro package, CHF 40 |
What is a cross country paragliding flight?
In most tandem flights, you take off from a mountain and glide down to the landing field. In a cross country flight, your pilot reads the thermals, the rising columns of warm air, to gain height again and again. That lets you cover distance and explore the landscape from above: the Zermatt valley, its hamlets and forests, the ridges around the Gornergrat and the glaciers below the Matterhorn.
Every cross country flight is different. Your pilot chooses the take-off and the route on the day, based on the weather and the thermal conditions, to give you the longest and most varied flight possible. If you want a calm flight, just say so: the route and the style of flying are always adapted to you.
What to expect on the day
- Meeting point. We meet at Bahnhofplatz 7, right next to Zermatt’s Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station and one minute’s walk from the Gornergrat railway.
- Ride up to the take-off. Your pilot chooses the best take-off for the day, and you ride up together by mountain railway or cable car.
- Briefing and take-off. Your pilot explains the route and everything you need to know. Take-off is just a few running steps down the slope.
- The flight. Around 35 minutes flying across the valley, gaining height in the thermals, with the Matterhorn in view.
- Landing.
Cross country or another flight?
The Top Fly Glacier has the same price and focuses on altitude: a take-off at 3,883 m from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest in Europe. The cross country flight focuses on distance and airtime. The two can be swapped on the day if the weather favours one of them.
If you mainly want to fly in front of the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn VIP offers around 25 minutes for CHF 300. And if 35 minutes is not enough, the Private Paragliding Day gives you up to three hours of total airtime over several flights.
What our guests say
I did 2 flights with Julio in Zermatt, one from Gornergratt and one from a hill near Hotel Trift. It was a super beautiful experience, I felt safe on the flight and also on the hike up to the takeoff point.
Such professional, I had so much fun hiking and flying. It was tough but worth it. All three times I have done till now. I hope I’ll be doing more! Super recommended if you want to do paragliding in Zermatt!
What an incredible experience flying over the alps and the Matterhorn! Julio made everything super easy. His communication was excellent and his talent as a pilot is second to none.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to fly cross country?
No. It is a tandem flight: your certified pilot controls the paraglider and chooses the route. You only need to run a few steps at take-off and landing.
Is the route fixed?
No. Your pilot chooses the take-off and the route on the day, depending on the weather and thermal conditions, to give you the best possible flight.
How is it different from the Top Fly Glacier?
Both cost CHF 420. The Top Fly Glacier is about altitude, with a take-off at 3,883 m. The cross country flight is about distance and airtime, with around 35 minutes in the air. They can be swapped on the day depending on the weather.
Is the flight shorter in winter?
Yes. Thermals are weaker in winter, so airtime is usually shorter than in summer. Your pilot will tell you what to expect when you book.
Is there an age or weight limit?
⚠ CONFIRMAR: edad mínima y peso máximo/mínimo.
What should I wear?
Sturdy shoes, long trousers and warm layers, as it can be cold at altitude even in summer. Sunglasses are recommended.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If we cancel your flight because of weather or safety conditions, you receive a full refund, minus a 5% confirmation fee. We will always try to offer you another time slot first.
Can I get photos and videos of my flight?
Yes. Add the GoPro photo and video package (CHF 40) when you book, and your images will be transferred directly to your smartphone after landing.
Book your cross country flight
Choose your date and time below. Flights run almost year-round, weather permitting.
