Wingsuit Flying Switzerland
Switzerland's alpine terrain – the Lauterbrunnen valley, the Eiger north ridge, the Graubünden canyon systems – has produced some of the most iconic wingsuit proximity flights ever filmed. Here is everything you need to know about the sport.
Start with a Tandem JumpWingsuit Flying in Switzerland
From Lauterbrunnen proximity lines to high-altitude skydiving wingsuits – the full picture
Wingsuit Flying in Switzerland – A Complete Overview
Two disciplines, one extraordinary Swiss landscape
Wingsuit flying in Switzerland encompasses two very different disciplines. Wingsuit skydiving – jumping from an aircraft in a wingsuit and gliding at horizontal speeds of 150–250 km/h before deploying a parachute – is accessible to licensed skydivers with sufficient jump experience. Wingsuit BASE proximity flying – exiting from cliffs and flying within metres of the terrain at speeds exceeding 200 km/h – is among the most advanced and dangerous activities in any sport, requiring years of progression through both skydiving and BASE jumping before it can be safely attempted.
Switzerland's role in wingsuit development is significant. The Lauterbrunnen valley and the terrain around the Eiger have been the setting for some of the most famous wingsuit proximity flights ever filmed, and the country's combination of accessible high-altitude terrain, concentrated cliff systems and a developed skydiving infrastructure has made it a global centre for the sport's advancement.
Wingsuit skydiving – from aircraft
Wingsuit skydiving (from an aircraft, not a cliff) is accessible to licensed skydivers after building a base of regular freefall jumps. Most wingsuit manufacturers and coaches recommend a minimum of 200 skydiving jumps before a first wingsuit jump. After that, a formal first flight course with a certified coach is required. This is the safer entry point into wingsuit flying and is available at all Swiss drop zones to qualified skydivers.
Wingsuit proximity flying – from cliffs
Wingsuit BASE proximity flying – the discipline seen in famous Swiss cliff flights – requires the complete BASE jumping progression first (minimum 200+ skydives, BASE first jump course, significant BASE experience), followed by progressive proximity training. The terrain in Lauterbrunnen, the Eiger and Graubünden canyon systems represents the most technically demanding proximity lines in the world. This discipline is only for highly experienced practitioners.
Famous Swiss wingsuit locations
Lauterbrunnen valley: The world's most famous proximity flying terrain. The valley's corridor structure, combined with cliff exits above Wengen and Mürren, creates the classic Swiss wingsuit flights. The approach to the "potato field" landing zone is one of the most recognisable lines in wingsuit video.
Eiger terrain: The north face approaches and ridge systems of the Eiger have been the setting for some of the sport's most dramatic flights. Only for the most experienced practitioners with intimate knowledge of the terrain.
Graubünden canyon systems: The Inn valley and various Graubünden canyon approaches offer longer proximity lines through rugged terrain, increasingly used by experienced proximity pilots seeking alternatives to the Lauterbrunnen main valley.
How to start
The correct first step for anyone interested in wingsuit flying – whether from an aircraft or eventually from cliffs – is a tandem skydive. From there, an AFF course leads to independent jumping, jump number accumulation, and eventually the wingsuit progression. The total path from zero to aircraft wingsuit flying typically takes 1–2 years of active skydiving.
The Path from Tandem to Wingsuit
The standard progression into wingsuit flying
Tandem Skydive
Experience freefall for the first time. Understand what aircraft exit, freefall and canopy flight feel like. Confirm your interest in pursuing the sport further.
AFF Course & Skydiving Licence
Complete an AFF course (8 levels) and earn your Swiss Skydiving licence. Begin building jump numbers and body awareness in freefall. Start working on tracking and freefly skills.
200 Jumps & First Wingsuit Course
After 200+ jumps, take a first wingsuit flight course with a certified coach. Start with a small beginner suit. Build wingsuit time progressively with coaching feedback at every stage.
Advanced Progression
Progress to larger suits, formation wingsuit skydiving, and eventually – after extensive experience and BASE progression – terrain proximity flying in Switzerland's extraordinary alpine terrain.
FAQ – Wingsuit Flying Switzerland
Common questions about wingsuit flying in Switzerland
No. Wingsuit flying from an aircraft requires a minimum of approximately 200 skydiving jumps before a first wingsuit flight course. Wingsuit proximity flying from cliffs requires significantly more experience (BASE jumping background). The starting point for everyone is a tandem skydive, then an AFF course.
The Lauterbrunnen valley is the world's most famous wingsuit proximity flying location, drawing pilots from every country. For wingsuit skydiving (from aircraft), all five Swiss drop zones accommodate wingsuit jumpers – ask at your local drop zone about wingsuit-friendly jump slots.
From zero experience: a tandem skydive, then an AFF course (~2–4 months), then building to 200 jumps (typically 1–2 active jumping seasons), then a wingsuit first flight course. Total: roughly 1–3 years of active participation in the sport before a first wingsuit jump from an aircraft. Proximity flying adds several more years beyond that.
Start Your Journey with a Tandem Skydive
The first step toward wingsuit flying – locations across Switzerland
More About Skydiving in Switzerland
From your first jump to advanced disciplines