Tandem flights in Vorarlberg: what Wolf Paragliding Service offers
Paragliding depends on weather and dates. In Vorarlberg, tandem flights operate from three launch sites, and some of them start above two thousand meters.
We put together practical information on tandem flights in Vorarlberg: which sites operate, what affects the price, and what you need to know before booking. Below you will find a comparison of the three launch points, criteria for choosing an operator, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Tandem flight in Vorarlberg: what you need to know
💡 In short:
- Flights operate from three sites: Montafon, Schnifis, and Lech am Arlberg.
- No experience needed: before launch you get a briefing and take a few steps together with the pilot.
- Weather decides everything: in strong wind or low clouds, the flight is moved to another day.
- Prices, sites, and conditions of Wolf Paragliding Service: as of 10/2026, according to the service's website.
A tandem flight is a flight with a pilot on a two-seat paraglider. The instructor controls the wing, and you sit in front of him in the harness and follow simple commands.
No training is needed for this kind of flight, and you don't have to study theory in advance either. The briefing takes a few minutes and happens right at the launch site. You spend more time on the ground than in the air: the drive to the site, gear preparation, and waiting for a suitable weather window.
Flight duration is determined by the site, time of day, and the type of flight you choose. There is a calm option for first-timers, a dynamic option, and a flight using thermals. That kind of flight gains more altitude, so it sometimes lasts noticeably longer.
Sites and prices of Wolf Paragliding Service
Each site has its own character, which determines launch altitude, time spent on the outing, and the view under the wing. Montafon is chosen for its big elevation difference: the launch on the Sennigrat ridge is above two thousand meters, landing is in Schruns, and the whole valley with the Rätikon ridges opens up below you.
Schnifis is convenient for those who want to fit the flight into half a day. The Hensler launch sits above the Rhine Valley, the drive up is shorter, so the whole outing takes less time.
Lech am Arlberg is the most alpine option. Here the launch is higher and the valley is already below, and the view opens onto the Arlberg slopes. Guests choose this flight when what matters is not duration but the scenery under the wing.
The site data below is taken from paraglidingservice.com: this is Wolf Paragliding Service, which runs tandem flights in Vorarlberg (checked 10/2026).
Site | Price from | Flight time | Total | Launch | Elevation difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Montafon | 170 € | 15-30 min | 1.5-2.5 h | 2300 m, Sennigrat | 1628 m |
Schnifis | 150 € | 10-30 min | 1-1.5 h | 1334 m, Hensler | 732 m |
Lech am Arlberg | 200 € | 15-30 min | 1.5-2.5 h | 2350 m | 900 m |
Prices are as of 10/2026. The final amount depends on the site and flight type, and photos and video are a separate option.
How the flight goes: steps from booking to landing
The flight doesn't start on the slope, it starts in correspondence. You choose a site, and the service checks the forecast and offers a window with room for rescheduling.
After that, the order is as follows:
- You agree on a date and time online, by phone, or in a messenger.
- You meet the pilot on site and drive up to the launch together.
- You put on the harness, listen to the briefing, and take a few steps on the run-up.
- You fly, and after landing you collect your things and the camera recordings.
Weather remains the main factor. In high season, weekend slots are harder to find, so you should agree on a date in advance and keep one backup day in your schedule.
What to bring and what to keep in mind
The operator provides the gear, you only need weather-appropriate clothing. It's cooler in the air than at the launch, so bring a windbreaker and gloves even in summer.
- Footwear: closed sneakers or hiking shoes, flip-flops won't work at the launch.
- Clothing: long pants and a season-appropriate jacket, no long scarves or loose bags.
- Weight and age: the service gives the upper weight limit at booking, for light passengers it recommends morning windows, and there is no strict age threshold.
- Photos and video: filming is ordered in advance or before the flight, it's a separate paid option.
- Fear of heights: in the harness you don't stand on the edge, you transition straight into flight, so many guests handle heights more easily than they expected.
Confirm each point at booking so you don't have to change plans on the day of the flight.
How to choose an operator in Vorarlberg
Look not at pretty photos but at the pilot's license, the condition of the gear, and the rescheduling policy.
Criterion | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Pilot's license | valid passenger flight authorization | without it, tandems are not allowed |
Gear | date of the last wing and reserve check | a worn wing holds its shape worse |
Weather policy | rescheduling and refund policy | in the mountains, days often get canceled |
Insurance | passenger coverage during the flight | disputed cases are resolved in advance |
Format | small group or tight schedule | this determines waiting time |
The legal side is also checked in advance: Austrian licenses are recognized in Germany under separate rules, and from January 1, 2026, DHV together with ÖAeC agreed on a transitional arrangement that runs until the end of 2026 (as of: 10/2026, DHV).
Ask about refunds in bad weather and about who drives you to the launch. A gift certificate for a flight is a separate product with its own validity period.
Gear inspection and marking
Besides flights, local services also handle pilots' paragliders. Wolf Paragliding Service runs a workshop in Feldkirch and performs scheduled wing inspections according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
This inspection is done every two years or annually. During the work, they measure fabric air permeability and line strength, assess the condition of the canopy, and adjust the trimmer if needed.
A separate service is reserve parachute repacking: it's repeated on schedule, as well as after deployment or getting wet. The wing can be sent by mail, the service has separate conditions for guests from Switzerland, and in high season orders are accepted for urgent processing.
Another service is individual canopy marking: the wing gets a team name, logo, or number applied on self-adhesive fabric. The design is prepared in vector format so it reads clearly in the air.
Where to stay and how to get there
The launch sites are spread across the valleys, so look for accommodation near the one you're flying from. For Montafon, Schruns and the surrounding area make sense, for Schnifis Feldkirch is convenient, and for Lech am Arlberg, Lech itself.
Book accommodation in season in advance: choose a hotel in Vorarlberg on Trip.com. If you plan to move between valleys, rent a car in Vorarlberg on DiscoverCars.
The pilot drives you to the launch anyway, so a car is more for moving between valleys. It also lets you stay in the mountains for several days.
What to do on a non-flying day
If the weather doesn't allow flying, you can put together a backup plan for the day from excursions and active tours on GetYourGuide.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience for a tandem flight?
No. The pilot controls the wing, and the passenger only runs up and lands on command. No training is required. If it's your first time in the air, ask for a calm flight and mention it at booking.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
In a tandem you don't stand on the edge of the site: the harness already holds you, and the transition into flight is smooth. Many guests describe the first minutes as unexpectedly calm. Tell the pilot about your concerns, and he will choose a gentle mode without sharp maneuvers.
Can I give this flight as a gift?
Yes. Local services sell gift certificates, and the recipient needs no preparation. Check the validity period and booking rules at purchase. In season, available slots go fast, so it's better to agree on a date in advance.
How do the Montafon, Schnifis, and Lech sites differ?
Montafon offers a big elevation difference and a long flight over the valley. Schnifis is chosen for the short drive up and a compact outing. Lech am Arlberg is a high launch and an alpine view. The decision depends on how much time you have and what kind of scenery you want to see.
Are there weight limits?
Yes, the upper limit depends on the site, weather, and gear. The service gives the general limit and advises light passengers to fly in the first half of the day. Give your honest weight at booking: it determines wing selection and flight time.
In short: what to book
If you want a big elevation difference and a long flight, choose Montafon. If you want to fit everything into half a day, go with Schnifis. If the alpine panorama matters, head to Lech am Arlberg.
In any case, leave a backup day in your schedule and confirm the rescheduling policy before paying. Book accommodation right away: choose a hotel on Trip.com.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.