Tandem Skydive Preparation
Everything you need to know before your first skydive in Switzerland – what to wear, what to eat, what happens on the day, and how to make the most of the experience.
Find Drop ZoneYour First Skydive – Be Prepared
A well-prepared jumper is a relaxed jumper. Here is everything you need to know.
How to Prepare for Your Tandem Skydive
Practical advice from Switzerland's skydiving community
A tandem skydive in Switzerland takes 2–4 hours from arrival to departure, including registration, the briefing, the wait for your flight slot, the ascent, the jump and the debrief. Budget a full half-day so you're not rushing. The jump itself – exit to landing – lasts about 6–9 minutes, with 45–55 seconds of freefall and 5–8 minutes under the canopy.
What to wear
Dress in comfortable, close-fitting clothes – nothing loose or baggy that could catch in the harness. The harness goes over your clothing, so avoid thick belts, sharp buckles or stiff denim. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (trainers / sneakers are ideal). Avoid sandals, flip-flops or boots with external lacing. At 4,000 metres it can be cold even in summer – bring a light layer you can wear under the jump suit provided by the drop zone.
What to eat and drink
Eat a normal, light meal 2–3 hours before your jump – enough that you're not hungry, but not so much that you feel full. Avoid heavy, greasy or spicy food on jump day. Stay well hydrated with water, but limit alcohol entirely (drop zones will not allow you to jump if you've been drinking). Avoid large amounts of caffeine immediately before the jump if you're prone to anxiety.
Medical considerations
You will need to sign a medical declaration at the drop zone. Skydiving is generally safe for healthy adults, but certain conditions require medical clearance: heart conditions, epilepsy, recent surgery, severe asthma, or spinal problems. If in doubt, consult your doctor in advance. There is a maximum weight limit of typically 100–110 kg (check with your drop zone). Jumpers must be at least 16 years old (parental consent required under 18).
What to bring
Bring your ID or passport (required at all drop zones), your booking confirmation, and payment if not already paid. Leave valuables at home or in the car – you won't need them on the jump. If you want your own photos, arrange the drop zone's video/photo package in advance; personal cameras and phones cannot be worn by tandem passengers during the jump.
Weather and cancellations
Swiss drop zones operate weather-permitting. Cloud, wind or visibility conditions can cause delays or cancellations on any given day. Your drop zone will inform you if conditions prevent jumping and will rebook you for another date at no extra cost. Check your drop zone's cancellation policy when booking. Don't be discouraged by a wait – the drop zone experience, watching other skydivers land and speaking with instructors, is enjoyable in itself.
Jump Day Checklist
What to do – and what to avoid – before your tandem skydive
What Happens on Jump Day?
Step by step from arrival to landing
Arrival & Registration
Arrive at the drop zone, check in and sign your documentation (waiver and medical declaration). You'll be introduced to your tandem instructor for the day.
Equipment & Briefing
Your instructor fits the harness personally and guides you through a 20-minute briefing: body position during exit, arch posture in freefall, altitude cues and the landing procedure. Ask every question you have – instructors love first-timers.
Climb to 4,000 Metres
You board the aircraft and climb to 4,000 metres in 15–25 minutes. The Swiss landscape unfolds below. Your instructor will check your harness connections one final time before the door opens.
Exit, Freefall & Canopy
You exit the aircraft tandem with your instructor. 45–55 seconds of freefall at up to 200 km/h, then parachute deployment at ~1,500m for 5–8 minutes of gliding. Your instructor lands you standing. You will feel something you've never felt before.
FAQ – Tandem Skydive Preparation
The most common questions from first-time jumpers
Plan for 2–4 hours at the drop zone from arrival to departure. The jump itself (exit to landing) takes 6–9 minutes. Most of the time is spent in registration, briefing and waiting for your flight slot. Weather conditions can extend waiting time.
Comfortable, close-fitting clothes (jeans and a t-shirt or light fleece work well) and sturdy closed-toe shoes. The drop zone will provide a jump suit to wear over your clothes. Avoid loose garments, open shoes or large jewellery that could catch in the harness.
Completely normal – almost every first-time jumper feels nervous. The nervousness typically peaks before the jump and drops away almost immediately after exit, replaced by the most intense exhilaration most people have ever felt. Your instructor has guided hundreds of first-timers and knows exactly how to support you through it.
Many people with a fear of heights jump and love it. At 4,000 metres, the altitude is so extreme that the usual triggers for height anxiety (looking down from a building, standing near an edge) don't apply in the same way. Freefall is not the same sensation as standing on a high edge. That said, discuss any serious anxiety with your instructor in advance.
Tandem Skydiving by Location
Find skydiving information for Swiss cities and resorts
More About Skydiving in Switzerland
Everything from your first jump to your own licence