The moment you hang beneath a paraglider and the ground slowly fades beneath your feet, an unmistakable rush of adrenaline takes over. It’s a feeling of pure freedom that captivates many—often for a lifetime. Paragliding is more than just an adventure; it’s an experience that lets you see the world from a completely new perspective.
So why not give it a try? On a clear day, conditions are perfect for your first flight. You might even discover a new passion you never expected.
The Goldeck mountain in Carinthia provides the ideal setting for beginners. Experienced paragliders have been launching from here for years, drawn by its excellent conditions and breathtaking scenery. Take the first step – and soar.
For a long time, paragliding was considered a high-risk sport – a perception that is now outdated. Thanks to modern materials, innovative technology, and improved safety standards, the risks have been significantly reduced. This is also reflected in the fact that, in many European countries, additional insurance premiums for paragliders are increasingly being phased out.
However, one key factor remains: the weather. Those who fly regularly quickly develop a strong understanding of meteorological conditions. Alongside human error, misjudging the weather is one of the greatest risks. Careful planning is therefore essential – making the sport not only safer but also accessible to a growing number of people.
What makes paragliding especially exciting is its combination with other outdoor activities. Whether hiking or trail running, many simply carry their glider to the top. Once the summit is reached, it becomes the launch site – and the descent turns into a unique flying experience. Every meter of elevation gained becomes doubly rewarding.
Paragliding opens up entirely new ways to experience the mountains – intense, ազատ, and from a perspective usually reserved for a select few.
Despite the increased level of safety, beginners should always start together with experienced pilots or under the guidance of a certified paragliding school. In the area around the Goldeck in Carinthia, suitable providers are readily available. The first step is usually a tandem flight with an experienced pilot. This introductory experience quickly shows whether gliding through the air is something you truly enjoy.
If that initial adrenaline rush kicks in and you decide to continue—by booking further courses and obtaining the required license in Austria—you’ll be gradually introduced to flying on your own. The first lessons typically take place on a gentle slope, where you practice inflating the wing for takeoff and landing. With each attempt, beginners can already enjoy short, controlled flights close to the ground. Step by step, confidence and familiarity with the glider grow.
As skills improve, launch sites are moved to higher altitudes until the basic course is completed. This is followed by supervised high-altitude flights, leading to a full paragliding license. Learning to paraglide is therefore not a reckless leap into the unknown, but a structured and accessible process for almost anyone.
Here’s some good news for beginners: at first, none at all. A complete set of paragliding equipment can be quite expensive, but flight schools provide everything you need. This also allows you to gradually find out which equipment best suits your personal style—whether it’s the size of the wing or the thickness of the lines.
Rail, Hike & Fly
A unique nature and adventure experience awaits in the Carinthian Alps: sustainable, varied, and full of unforgettable moments. The journey begins comfortably by train, followed by a cable car ride into alpine heights and a scenic summit hike.
At the destination, the highlight of the day awaits: a tandem paragliding flight that opens up an entirely new sense of freedom from a bird’s-eye perspective.
The experience is perfectly rounded off with a relaxing stop at the Goldalm restaurant, where the flight briefing takes place before takeoff. A day in the mountains—completely car-free, yet full of lasting impressions.
Try & Fly Intro Course
Experience paragliding up close: The introductory days teach the essential basics – from preparing for takeoff and inflating the wing to the first launch, flight, and landing exercises.
The highlight: afterwards, you take off on a tandem flight together with an experienced instructor.
Booking & Inquiries
Flights and dates available on request:
📞 +43 664 181 7953
Basic Paragliding Course
The basic course lasts approximately 6 days and consists of an introductory course (4 days) and a hill flying course (2 days).
The theoretical training covers topics such as aerodynamics, meteorology, paragliding equipment, and aviation law.
The practical part includes at least five high-altitude flights with a minimum altitude difference of 500 meters each.
Booking & Information
On request at: 📞 0664 181 79 53
