Exhilarating Paragliding Above the Alpe di Siusi: A Photo Story

When I was told that we would do paragliding above the Alpe di Siusi (or Seiser Alm, as it is called in German), I was beside myself with joy. I had my first thrilling paragliding experience a couple of years ago in Switzerland and couldn’t wait to try it again in the wonderful scenery offered by the Dolomites, in Italy’s Südtirol.

The sky was covered by menacing clouds and we were a little worried that we might have to cancel paragliding due to the weather. The team at Tandem Fly Dolomiti was great, they met us at Spitzbuehl – a perfect area for paragliding at Seiser Alm with an amazing view on the Sciliar – quickly set up everything so that we could all enjoy our flight before the incoming rain and in a matter of minutes, we were ready to go and enjoy such an exhilarating experience.

Wonder how tandem paragliding is like?

First, you get dressed with colorful coveralls and a helmet.

Once in the air, paragliding gives and exhilarating sensation

While Laurel, Marguerite and Leah got increasingly excited, the pilots prepared the gear and gave each of us a few instructions on how to take off. Nothing complicated. You just have to run! Point is that the gear is rather heavy so someone else in the team helped us pushing and pulling to reach the edge of the mountain to take the flying jump.

It’s my turn. The pilot gives me the last instructions and we’re ready to go. And… Once in the air, the sensations given by the floating, silence and the view of the surrounding mountain, the Alpe di Siusi and the valley below are just wonderful. You are flying. Possibly one of humanity greatest dream ever. The flight is gentle, and the pilot reassuring while you comfortably sit and look around in wonder.

Usually, a paragliding flight lasts between 20 and 30 minutes but due to the threatening sky, we had to keep it shorter (which was a good idea, as rain started pouring down just a couple of minutes after landing). It didn’t matter since it was still an amazing experience.

Landing is fun. All of a sudden, you become aware that you are rapidly approaching the ground. All you have to do is lift up legs and feet, let the pilot lead you and you’ll land… on your buttocks

As the pilots folded their gear, I looked amazed at the friends dancing in the sky and thought that this was me, just a few seconds before.

If you never experienced paragliding it’s something you should really experience at least once in your life. And the Alpe di Siusi is the perfect backdrop to give it a first try.

Contacts:

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Note: Warm thanks to Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm Marketing for the invitation to experience paragliding surrounded by the awesome Dolomites.

About: Simon Falvo

Simon is the publisher and editor of WIld About Travel, where she writes about her travel experiences and shares her photography. A travel addict and social media enthusiast, she is wild about nature and wilderness, as well as art, culture and good food.