Why is the nearest DZ so far from Zermatt?

Zermatt is in a narrow alpine valley with restricted airspace. The nearest suitable terrain is in the Jura foothills where Flying Devil operates (~110 km).

Is French required at Flying Devil?

French is primary, but English is widely spoken. You will have no trouble communicating as a visiting English-speaking jumper.

Licensed Skydivers
near Zermatt

Flying Devil in Les Eplatures (~110 km) is the nearest Swiss drop zone for visiting jumpers in the Matterhorn region — an adventurous day trip from Europe's most iconic Alpine resort.

View Drop Zones

Matterhorn 4,478 mIconic Alpine backdrop

4,000 mExit altitude

CHF 40–60Per solo jump

Apr–OctSeason

Zermatt's Drop Zone Options for Licensed Jumpers

Zermatt sits at 1,620 m in the Valais Alps, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Europe — including the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and the Monte Rosa massif. It's a world-famous destination, but skydiving operations are not based in the deep valley. The nearest full-service Swiss DZ is Flying Devil in Les Eplatures, Neuchâtel (~110 km), followed by Swiss Boogie in Kappelen (~140 km).

Flying Devil is the drop zone closest to Zermatt and serves the French-speaking canton of Neuchâtel. It's a compact, welcoming DZ with a strong community and accessible to visiting jumpers with FAI-recognised licences. The drive from Zermatt via the Rhône valley and Bern plateau takes approximately 90–100 minutes.

If you're based in Zermatt for a week or more, a dedicated jump day at Flying Devil is an excellent addition to your trip — the contrast between a high-Alpine resort setting and the open rolling farmland of the Jura is a uniquely Swiss experience.

Visiting Licensed Skydivers — Quick Info

📍Nearest DZ: Flying Devil, Les Eplatures NE — ~110 km from Zermatt

📋Licence: Any FAI-recognised licence accepted — bring your logbook

💰Jump price: Approx. CHF 40–60 per solo jump (4,000 m)

✈️Language: French primary at Flying Devil; English spoken

🕐Season: April – October/November

🔄Currency: Check-jump may be required after 90+ day break

Drop Zones near Zermatt

The nearest certified Swiss DZ reachable in under 2 hours.

Flying Devil — Les Eplatures NE

~110 km from ZermattCessna

The closest Swiss drop zone to Zermatt, based in the Jura foothills near La Chaux-de-Fonds. A friendly, welcoming DZ with an active community of licensed jumpers. French-speaking environment with English spoken by most instructors and jumpers. All FAI licences accepted.

Visit Flying Devil →

Skydiving near Zermatt

4,478 mMatterhorn summit

4,000 mExit altitude

55 secAverage freefall

200 km/hTerminal velocity

Licensed Skydivers near Zermatt — FAQ

Zermatt is located deep inside the Valais Alps in a narrow valley with no road access for cars (it's a car-free village reached by train from Täsch). The surrounding terrain is too mountainous and the airspace too restricted for safe skydiving aircraft operations. The nearest suitable flat terrain with appropriate airspace is in the Jura foothills to the north, where Flying Devil operates. This is common for extreme alpine locations across Switzerland.

Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train from Zermatt to Visp, then pick up a rental car and drive north via the A9 motorway toward Bern/Neuchâtel, then follow signs to La Chaux-de-Fonds and Les Eplatures airfield. Total journey is approximately 2 hours by car from Visp. Plan an early start (depart by 7 am) to make the first loads. Alternatively, drive directly from Täsch, where you can leave your car.

Flying Devil is based in the French-speaking canton of Neuchâtel, so the primary language is French. However, English is spoken by most instructors and many regular jumpers, particularly at weekends when visiting skydivers from across Switzerland and neighbouring countries are common. German is also understood. You will not have a problem communicating as a visiting English-speaking jumper.

Absolutely — many skydivers who visit Zermatt for hiking or climbing plan a dedicated DZ day during their trip. Flying Devil is a full day out from Zermatt: depart early, get 3–5 jumps in, and return in the evening. For a more relaxed schedule, some jumpers drive to the Bern area the evening before, camp near Swiss Boogie (~140 km), jump all day, and return to Zermatt the following morning. Check the DZ calendar in advance for organised jump days.

Licensed Skydivers in Other Swiss Regions

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

More Skydiving near Zermatt

AFF Course — ZermattEarn your skydiving licence from the Matterhorn region. Licensed Skydivers — LausanneClosest urban hub to Flying Devil DZ. Skydiving Costs in SwitzerlandJump prices and equipment rental. Skydiving the Swiss AlpsGuide to all Swiss drop zones by region.

Licensed Skydiversnear Zermatt