What is a helicopter ride over the Swiss Alps like? — featuring Backpacking Bananas (Topdeck)

In this video: HELICOPTER OVER THE SWISS ALPS

Backpacking Bananas · 9 years ago

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Is this suitable for first-time skydivers?

Yes. The video follows a first-time skydiver (Ben) who jumps with an instructor in tandem, which is the standard and safest way for beginners to experience skydiving. Instructors manage all technical aspects while you focus on the experience.

At a glance

Length
9 min
Channel
Backpacking Bananas
Video from
Aug 2017
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Thrill-seekers and Alpine travelers considering skydiving or scenic helicopter flights

What this video answers

  • Is this suitable for first-time skydivers?
  • How long is the helicopter flight?
  • Can you do the helicopter tour without skydiving?
  • What equipment will I need?
  • Is this experience expensive?
Reads the guide aloud in your browser — free, no account.

Helicopter Skydiving Over the Swiss Alps: A Breathtaking Alpine Adventure

This video captures a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Lauterbrunnen, one of Switzerland's most stunning Alpine valleys. The journey begins with cable car and mountain train rides up to Mürren, a car-free mountain village, before ascending further into a helicopter for an aerial tour and skydiving adventure over the Swiss Alps. The footage follows two travelers as they experience the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and valleys from both the air and in freefall, offering a rare perspective of Europe's highest mountain range.

This experience suits thrill-seekers and adventure travelers who want more than a standard sightseeing tour. Whether you're a first-time skydiver or an experienced one, the video shows how these aerial activities integrate into a broader Alpine tour, making it relevant for anyone planning a European bucket-list trip. The video is part of a guided travel tour, so it also appeals to those who prefer structured group adventures with professional support.

Highlights of This Alpine Helicopter and Skydiving Experience

  • Cable car and mountain train ascent through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, showcasing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls
  • Helicopter takeoff and flight over snow-capped Alpine peaks and glaciated terrain
  • First-time skydiving experience with an instructor, capturing the moment of jumping and the freefall perspective
  • Aerial views of the surrounding Swiss mountain landscape during both the helicopter ride and descent
  • The contrast between peaceful valley scenery and the adrenaline of aerial activities
Featured image for the guide to HELICOPTER OVER THE SWISS ALPS by Backpacking Bananas

What to Know Before Booking Your Alpine Helicopter Adventure

  • This activity is part of a multi-stop European tour, but helicopter and skydiving experiences can often be booked independently in Mürren or nearby bases
  • Physical fitness and health clearance are typically required for skydiving; first-time jumpers are paired with certified instructors
  • Weather in the Alps is variable; helicopter and skydiving operations depend heavily on clear conditions, so flexibility with dates is important
  • Bring a camera or GoPro if allowed by your operator to capture your own aerial footage
  • Dress in layers; temperatures at altitude are significantly colder than in the valley, even in summer
  • Book well in advance, as helicopter slots and tandem skydiving spots fill quickly during peak season

Frequently Asked Questions About Helicopter Skydiving in the Swiss Alps

Is this suitable for first-time skydivers?

Yes. The video follows a first-time skydiver (Ben) who jumps with an instructor in tandem, which is the standard and safest way for beginners to experience skydiving. Instructors manage all technical aspects while you focus on the experience.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The video does not specify the exact flight duration, but typical helicopter tours in the region last between 20 and 60 minutes depending on the package. Contact local operators in Mürren for precise timing.

Can you do the helicopter tour without skydiving?

The video shows both activities together as part of an organized tour, but helicopter scenic flights and skydiving are often offered separately. You can typically book a helicopter tour alone if skydiving isn't for you.

What equipment will I need?

The video shows travelers using cameras like the GoPro Hero 5 to capture footage. Operators provide all safety gear for skydiving. Wear warm, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for the cable car and mountain train.

Is this experience expensive?

The video does not quote prices, but helicopter tours and tandem skydiving in Switzerland are premium activities. Expect a significant cost if booking independently, though tour operators like Topdeck may offer package pricing that spreads the expense across multiple experiences.

A still from the video HELICOPTER OVER THE SWISS ALPS by Backpacking Bananas
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Key Terms

Tandem skydiving
A jump in which a beginner is securely attached to a certified instructor for the entire freefall and parachute descent.
Lauterbrunnen
A famous valley in the Swiss Alps known for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain villages like Mürren.
Mürren
A car-free Alpine village accessible by cable car and mountain train, serving as a base for aerial activities and hiking in the region.
Alpine
Relating to high mountains, typically above the tree line, characterized by steep terrain, glaciers, and dramatic peaks.

Sources: Tandem skydiving · Lauterbrunnen · Mürren · Alpine — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely useful if you're weighing whether to add a helicopter tour to an Alpine trip. It shows real people doing the activity, captures the actual views, and doesn't oversell the difficulty—you see the nerves, the preparation, and the payoff in authentic moments rather than promotional polish.

What stands out most is how the video balances adrenaline with scenery; the helicopter footage of the peaks and valleys is stunning, but the human story of a first-time jumper is what makes you believe this is worth booking. Highly recommended for adventure travelers planning a Swiss Alps visit.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Backpacking Bananas on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

2nd stop on Topdeck's European Wonder tour was the beautiful Lauterbrunnen in the Swiss Alps. We got a cable car and mountain train ride up to Murren and then got in a helicopter over the swiss alps!! As I have skydived before, I followed my friend Ben's experience as he skydived for the first time! It was incredible.

MY BLOG POST ON THIS EXPERIENCE: https://www.topdeck.travel/ultimate49...

Check out Topdeck - https://www.topdeck.travel
Follow #ultimate49 for more bucket list inspiration!
https://www.topdeck.travel/ultimate49

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EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO:
Canon G7X
GoPro Hero 5
FinalCut Pro
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MY FILMING & EDITING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic Lumix GH5 https://amzn.to/2KbIFEt
Canon G7X https://amzn.to/2yK4NAk
Jobe Gorilla Tripod https://amzn.to/2tvPqX9
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MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:

The majority of the music and SFX used in this video are from Epidemic Sound https://goo.gl/uZsnTK

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