Do I need to do a tandem jump first?

No. A tandem jump is not a formal requirement for AFF. Many students find it helpful but it is not mandatory.

AFF Skydiving Course
near Interlaken

Learn to skydive solo above the Bernese Alps — Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as your backdrop while you earn the world's most recognised skydiving licence.

Find AFF Drop Zones

8AFF Levels

4,000 mExit altitude

from CHF 3,200Full AFF course

Eiger 3,967 mAlpine backdrop

Learn to Skydive Solo above the Bernese Alps

Interlaken sits at the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau — one of the world's most spectacular skydiving landscapes. The AFF course here offers an experience that goes far beyond any urban training ground: you practice your freefall skills with a panorama that rivals the most famous drop zones on earth.

AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the internationally standardised path to your skydiving licence. Over 8 supervised jumps — starting with two instructors at your side and finishing as a solo flyer — you develop the body control, altitude awareness, and canopy skills required for independent skydiving.

After completing your AFF levels and consolidation jumps, you'll sit a brief theory exam and receive your Swiss parachute licence, valid at drop zones across Europe.

AFF Course at a Glance

🎓Ground school: Full-day theory on body flight, altitude awareness, emergency procedures, and landing technique

✈️8 AFF jumps: Levels 1–3 with 2 instructors, Levels 4–8 with 1 instructor

📋Requirements: Min. age 16 (parental consent under 18), max. ~100 kg, good general health

💰Course cost: CHF 3,200–4,500 depending on drop zone and progression

🏔️Backdrop: Eiger (3,967 m), Mönch, Jungfrau — Alpine freefall at its finest

🏅Licence: Swiss parachute licence, FAI-recognised throughout Europe

Drop Zones Offering AFF near Interlaken

The two closest AFF-certified drop zones to Interlaken.

Swiss Boogie — Kappelen BE

~45 km from Interlaken

One of Switzerland's most established skydiving operations with a long AFF tradition. Large landing area, modern fleet, team atmosphere. Regular AFF intake weekends throughout the season.

AFF Info →

Dropzone 47 — Grenchen SO

~55 km from Interlaken

Full AFF packages, Pilatus Porter PC-6 to 4,000 m, multilingual instructors. One of Switzerland's most active year-round training centres.

AFF Info →

Your Path to a Skydiving Licence

Ground School

A full day of theory: body position, altitude awareness, emergency drills, canopy control, and landing pattern — before you board a plane.

Levels 1–3 (Dual)

Two instructors exit with you and provide physical assistance. Learn to arch, check altitude, and practice your deployment sequence.

Levels 4–5 (Assisted)

One instructor accompanies you. Execute turns, forward movement, and approach drills — building towards independent flight.

Levels 6–8 (Solo)

Your instructor follows but does not touch. You perform solo manoeuvres and demonstrate precise deployment — earning your sign-off.

Licence & Beyond

Consolidation jumps (min. 25 total), theory exam, and your Swiss parachute licence. Welcome to the worldwide skydiving community.

AFF in Numbers

8AFF Levels

3,967 mEiger summit

55 secAverage freefall

200 km/hTerminal velocity

AFF Course — Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. The Bernese Oberland region offers some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Europe as a backdrop for your training jumps. The drop zones near Interlaken have experienced instructors and operate throughout the season from spring to autumn. Weather windows can be tighter in the mountains, but the views make every jump worth the wait.

No. A tandem jump is not a formal requirement for AFF. However, many students find it helpful to experience freefall once before committing to the full course — it confirms that you enjoy the sensation and removes some of the unknowns. If you've never jumped before and want a taster, a tandem jump is a good idea, but not mandatory.

You must be at least 16 years old (parental consent required under 18), weigh no more than approximately 100 kg, and be in good general health. There is no upper age limit for AFF in Switzerland. Certain medical conditions (epilepsy, uncontrolled heart conditions, recent surgery) may require a medical certificate — your drop zone instructor will discuss this with you at the ground school.

A full AFF package near Interlaken typically costs CHF 3,200–3,800, covering ground school, all 8 AFF jumps, and equipment rental. Repeat levels (if needed) cost approximately CHF 200–280 each. After AFF you'll need additional solo jumps before sitting the licence exam — these cost around CHF 40–60 per jump at a Swiss drop zone.

AFF Courses in Other Swiss Regions

Zurich Interlaken Bern Geneva Lausanne Lucerne Basel Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen Zermatt Davos St. Moritz

More Skydiving near Interlaken

Tandem Skydiving — InterlakenNot ready for solo? Experience freefall with an instructor. Tandem Skydiving — GrindelwaldFreefall above the Eiger. Skydiving Costs in SwitzerlandFull AFF and tandem price breakdown. Skydiving the Swiss AlpsRegional guide to all Swiss drop zones.

AFF Skydiving Coursenear Interlaken