Master of the skies
Taking flight with Simon Raffeiner
Simon Raffeiner reaches heights usually reserved for eagles. When paragliding in St. Anton am Arlberg, the passionate hike-and-fly enthusiast encounters not only magnificent panoramas and tranquillity, but also his true self.
When the mountains call, Simon Raffeiner packs his paraglider, harness, parachute and helmet into his rucksack, along with his GPS, phone and food, slips into his trail running shoes and opens the front door – and off he goes. “Living in St. Anton is a privilege, and that goes for paragliders, too,” explained the Vorarlberg native, who, thanks to his family connections, has had a close connection with St. Anton am Arlberg since he was a child and recently made the area his home base. No coincidence, really. For anyone who has fallen for paragliding – or would like to give it a try – the Arlberg air zone is the perfect place. This much is clear after a brief chat with Simon Raffeiner. Using carefully chosen words that convey his enthusiasm, the 27-year-old lists the advantages of the air zone. Not too overcrowded, challenging with narrow valleys and lots of wind, extremely versatile. “You never stop learning here”, says the man who has been pushing himself to new limits in human flight for years.
A special perspective of home
Simon inherited his passion for paragliding from his father. However, he came to it relatively late. He obtained his flying licence at 19, and since then he has regularly been able to view his home region from the air. What is it that fascinates him so much? “It's just an amazing feeling, it’s hard to describe,” said Simon. “In the air, I can switch off, take in the peace and quiet and be completely at one with myself. This freedom comes very close to fulfilling the age-old human dream of being able to fly.”
Step by step, the young sportsman learns new things, tries out new things, and enjoys being in nature as well as performing stunts and achieving high speeds. Some years later, he became a competitor and has since successfully taken part in national and international hike-and-fly competitions. This involves completing a predetermined route on foot and by parachute, or covering the maximum distance within a set time frame. As a team pilot for NOVA Performance Paragliders, Simon Raffeiner has already twice been among the select group of competitors in the demanding Dolomiti Super Fly. “Some years I take part in more competitions before focusing on what I want to do myself again”, he added. Balance, not extremes, is his motto. And no doubt also: as long as it is flying!
From the classroom to the mountain
Just how much of an impact his passion has had on Simon Raffeiner’s life can also be seen in the stats. With 150 to 200 flight hours per year, the secondary school teacher has put in a considerable amount of flying time for a working person. Including everything that goes with it – climbs, equipment checks, organisation, etc. – he easily spends 20 to 25 hours a week paragliding. From a spontaneous after-work session with a precise landing manoeuvre just next to a residential building to an extensive adventure lasting several hours in warm updrafts. Where does he particularly like to go when the conditions look good from the window? “Kapall is the ideal starting point. From the top of the hill, paragliders can take off in all directions, depending on the wind”, the insider revealed.
The easy way down
The local providers’ flight guides also like to meet their guests at Kapall to embark on tandem flights. Many curious people take advantage of their stay in St. Anton am Arlberg to try paragliding. After taking the cable car up to the top, you can go on a hike or get on a paraglider to take the “easy way down the mountain”. Paragliding is possible all year round, with tours being particularly popular during the winter months. “Definitely give it a try!” is Simon Raffeiner’s recommendation. He works as a guide at TandemSky and is keen to share how it feels to be the master of the skies.
“In the air, I can switch off, take in the peace and quiet and be completely at one with myself. This freedom comes very close to fulfilling the age-old human dream of being able to fly.”
- Simon Raffeiner
Tandem paragliding at the Arlberg
Fancy being a co-pilot on a paragliding, thermal or panoramic flight? How about a parapowder flight to reach parts of the mountain covered by pristine powder snow? Beginners and paragliding enthusiasts take off with experienced guides in St. Anton and Lech Zürs am Arlberg.
– Tandem paragliding all year round
– Tours range from approx. 10 to approx. 60 mins
– Maximum altitudes of up to 3,000 meters
– No age restrictions
– Specialized equipment and harnesses for children
– Sturdy shoes, gloves, long trousers, warm jacket or winter clothing
Contact - TandemSky Simon Penz
Mobile No.: +43 664 1415 166
E-Mail: pezimo@gmail.com
Address:
TandemSky
Bacherweg 8, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg extern
Contact - Arlberg Air
Mobile No.: +43 681 1075 8251
E-Mail: arlbergair@gmail.com
Web: arlbergair.com extern
Address:
Arlberg Air
Nassereinergasse 11, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg extern
