Liscenced pilot paragliding course in Nidwalden, near Lucerne

Go from total beginner to a fully-licenced pilot on this specialised paragliding course in the Swiss Canton of Nidwalden.

Taking you from the first flight all the way up to the final exam, this long-term licenced pilot paragliding course spans at least 50 flights - helping you train over time to become a totally independent solo paraglider. From the classroom to the open air, refine your take-off and landing technique, learn to fly in the thermals and master important manoeuvres - all set in the stunning backdrop of the Canton of Nidwalden, home to Titlis Glacier, and Lake Lucern.

Location
Renowned by alpine features like Titlis Glacier in Engleberg and Lake Lucerne, don't be surprised to find yourself sharing the thermals with some of Switzerland's best acro pilots! One of the most popular paragliding locations in Switzerland, take-off sites for paragliding like Niederbauen and Engelberg are serviced by gondolas and cable cars. About an hour's drive from Zurich Airport, trains between Zurich and Lucerne run every half hour. Mountain railways and PostAuto buses connect the peaks with the villages around Lake Lucerne as well as the region's other lakes.

Activity
Sign up for this 6-month beginner-to-club pilot paragliding course in the Canton of Nidwalden. An intensive 50-flight paragliding programme aimed at people who are complete beginners and would like to leave with a paragliding licence that allows them to fly unsupervised, this Club Pilot qualification uses over 17 official starting points that start with small elevation plateaus and finish with high altitude flights and thermal XC gliding. An EP & CP combined course, start with the basics of starting, steering and landing before you work your way up to supervised flights and technical training - always in constant radio contact with your instructor. Complete a final theoretical and practical exam to receive your SHV / FSVL licence.

Conditions
Around Engelberg and Niederbauen, numerous south-facing slopes create strong thermals, affording long flights and great xc opportunities. In calm conditions, flights from Titlis glacier (3200m) are possible. There are several standard routes along the valley, as well as towards the cantons of Luzern, Uri or Bern, but the Engelberg Valley is also known for several areas where high cables create obstacles. Some sites offer an immediate AGL of over 800m, making them perfect to practice more challenging, or even acro, manoeuvres.