Three options now define the local market, with prices ranging from 132.25 CHF to 2,038.93 CHF. The Paragliding Taster Course at 132.25 CHF runs a full day and puts you in the air with an instructor handling the controls. For those seeking a mountain escape, the day trip to Interlaken by Keytours SA at 348.21 CHF includes a 24 min tandem flight. The Paragliding Licence Course at 2,038.93 CHF spans more than a week and takes you from passenger to solo pilot, covering ground school, launches and landings on Lake Zurich's slopes above Horgen. Both Magiclift options run at the same physical level, so choose based on whether you want a single rush or a lifelong skill.
Paragliding Taster Course near Zurich
A full day in the air for 132.25 CHF, no prior experience required and no long-term commitment.
Paragliding Licence Course near Zurich
The licence course at 2,038.93 CHF turns you into an autonomous pilot over more than a week of structured training.
The launch off the hillside above Horgen is where adrenaline peaks. You go from standing still to airborne in a few running steps, with the ground dropping away instantly beneath you.
A healthy respect for altitude is normal. Most first-timers report that the sensation in the air feels less exposed than expected, since you're moving with the wind rather than dangling from a fixed point.
The season runs from May through September. Thermal conditions are strongest in summer, with stable morning windows and more active afternoon air for experienced pilots.
Both Magiclift courses are conducted in German, French and English, so briefings and safety instructions are fully accessible regardless of your language.
The licence course is listed at more than one week in duration. Contact Magiclift directly to confirm scheduling options, as multi-weekend formats are common for licence programmes.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2.1°C | 90.9 mm | Possible |
| February | 3.8°C | 76 mm | Possible |
| March | 4.9°C | 88.8 mm | Possible |
| April | 9.4°C | 100.2 mm | Possible |
| May | 12.4°C | 122.8 mm | Possible |
| June | 16.7°C | 133.4 mm | Good |
| July | 19.8°C | 106.9 mm | Good |
| August | 19°C | 85.6 mm | Good |
| September | 16.5°C | 67.4 mm | Good |
| October | 11.3°C | 76.6 mm | Good |
| November | 6°C | 91.3 mm | Possible |
| December | 0.3°C | 81.8 mm | Possible |
Equipment
Both courses are rated 'Occasionally sporty', so wear flexible, layered clothing and sturdy laced shoes with ankle support. For the full-day taster, pack sun protection and a windproof mid-layer since temperatures drop noticeably at altitude above Lake Zurich.
Getting there
Both courses meet at Bergstrasse 68, 8810 Horgen, reachable by S-Bahn from Zurich main station in under 20 minutes on the S8 line.
Updated March 2026