
Everything you need to know about tandem paragliding in the Montafon valley. Whether you're a first-time flyer or an experienced pilot, find answers about launch sites, safety, booking, and the best operators for your paragliding adventure.
Tandem paragliding in Montafon allows you to experience the thrill of alpine paragliding with an experienced, state-certified pilot. You fly together in a specially designed tandem paraglider while the pilot handles all controls. No experience or training is required - you simply enjoy the spectacular flight over the Austrian Alps while securely harnessed to your pilot.
Several professional tandem operators offer year-round flights in the Montafon, launching from premier sites like Golm (summer) and Hochjoch at Silvretta Montafon (year-round). The Montafon valley's U-shaped geography and reliable thermals create ideal conditions for memorable tandem flights.
The main tandem paragliding launch sites in Montafon are:
Best Base Village: Sankt Anton im Montafon is perfectly positioned at the entrance of the valley. From Sankt Anton, you can reach Golm in just one train stop (Montafonerbahn) or Schruns in 5 minutes for Hochjoch access. The village offers authentic Austrian mountain atmosphere without the crowds of larger resorts.
Typical tandem paragliding flights in Montafon last 15-30 minutes of pure flight time, depending on thermic conditions. The entire experience, including briefing, equipment preparation, cable car ride, and flight, takes approximately 2-3 hours. In optimal conditions with good thermals, flights can extend to 45 minutes or longer, especially from Hochjoch's higher elevation.
Tandem paragliding prices in Montafon vary by operator, season, and flight duration. Standard tandem flights typically range from €120-180 per person. Prices usually include:
Additional services like professional photos/videos typically cost extra (€30-50). Some operators offer package deals for multiple flights or group bookings. Contact individual operators directly for current pricing and availability.
Note: Cable car tickets to launch sites (Golmerbahn or Silvretta Montafon) are usually not included and must be purchased separately. Guest cards from local accommodations may provide discounts.
Booking procedures vary by operator. Most tandem operators in Montafon accept:
Best Practice: Book 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during summer months (May-October) when demand is highest. Weather-dependent activities mean operators often have flexible cancellation policies. Contact operators directly for current availability and booking procedures.
Yes! Many tandem operators in Montafon offer gift vouchers that make perfect presents for adventure enthusiasts. Vouchers are typically valid for 1-3 years and can be purchased online or by phone. They're flexible and can often be transferred to another person if needed. This is ideal for planning ahead or giving as a gift, allowing the recipient to choose the perfect weather day for their flight.
Yes, tandem paragliding in Montafon is very safe when conducted by certified, professional operators. Safety measures include:
Accident rates for tandem paragliding are extremely low when conducted by professional operators. The Montafon's well-maintained sites and experienced pilot community contribute to excellent safety records.
Requirements vary slightly by operator, but generally:
If you have specific concerns about age, weight, or health conditions, contact operators directly before booking. They can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.
Safety is the top priority - if weather conditions are unsuitable for safe flying, operators will:
Operators monitor weather forecasts closely and make go/no-go decisions based on wind, visibility, and thermic conditions. The Montafon's multiple launch sites (Golm has four different launch points) sometimes allow operators to find suitable conditions even when one site isn't flyable.
Tip: If weather postpones your flight, you have easy access to other activities - try the Waterfall Via Ferrata, Golm Alpine Coaster, or hiking trails.
The Golm launch site is exceptional for tandem paragliding because:
From Sankt Anton im Montafon, Golm is just one train stop away on the Montafonerbahn, making it incredibly convenient for multiple flights or spontaneous bookings when conditions are perfect.
The Montafon valley offers excellent thermic conditions for paragliding:
Experienced pilots use the Vilstal and surrounding peaks to extend flight times. The Montafon's geography creates reliable thermal patterns that make it one of Austria's premier paragliding destinations.
Recommended clothing for tandem paragliding in Montafon:
Operators provide all safety equipment (harness, helmet, paraglider). You just need to bring appropriate clothing and a sense of adventure!
Sankt Anton im Montafon is the perfect base village for paragliding adventures because:
The village maintains its farming traditions and offers genuine Austrian mountain hospitality. After a morning tandem flight, return to Sankt Anton for lunch, explore the village, or catch another train to other valley activities.
Getting to paragliding launch sites from Sankt Anton im Montafon is incredibly easy:
No car rental needed - the public transport infrastructure makes car-free paragliding trips simple and stress-free. This saves money on parking, fuel, and rental costs while reducing your environmental impact.
Traveling beyond Montafon into Germany? For Allgäu-specific tandem FAQs, see Alpen Tandem's FAQ (independent expert resource).