What is hike & fly?
The short version: walk up, fly down. The longer version is below.
Hike & fly means you hike up a mountain carrying a paraglider and fly down instead of walking. Pilots do it alone. As a guest you do it tandem: you hike up with a licensed pilot, then fly down together on a two-seat paraglider. No experience needed.
Where it comes from
Paraglider pilots wanted to fly from mountains without cable cars or roads, so they started carrying their wings up on their backs. Today hike & fly is a sport of its own, with famous races such as the Red Bull X-Alps, where pilots cross the Alps on foot and by air.
How a tandem hike & fly day works
- Meet your pilotAt the trailhead, at a time chosen for the best conditions.
- Hike upFrom about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the mountain. The pilot carries the flying gear.
- Get readyLay out the wing, put on the harness and helmet, and listen to a short briefing.
- Fly downRun a few steps and glide back to the valley. Grin for the rest of the day.
Hike & fly vs. classic tandem
| Hike & fly | Classic tandem (Ride & Fly) | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting up | On foot, 300–800 m | By car |
| Best for | Hikers and mountain lovers | First-timers, people short on time |
| Feeling | Earned | Easy |
Who it's for
Anyone who enjoys a mountain walk, weighs 40–110 kg and can run a few slow steps. You don't need to be brave. You need to like views.
Where to do it near Ljubljana
In Gorenjska, under an hour from Ljubljana. We fly Hike & Fly from Potoška gora and Zaplata, and Ride & Hike & Fly from Krvavec and Kriška gora, where a short drive saves part of the climb.
Do I carry anything?
Your water, snacks and jacket. The pilot carries the wing.
Is hike & fly harder than a normal hike?
It's easier: you skip the descent, which is usually what hurts most.
Can I learn to do it myself?
Yes, through a paragliding school. A tandem flight is a great first taste.