Tandem skydiving offers the thrill of freefalling from great heights, and for many, it’s a bucket-list experience. But what if you could take that excitement to the extreme? What if the thrill wasn’t just a jump from an airplane but from the highest altitude possible? The highest tandem skydive in the world for the public takes this experience to unprecedented heights, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to freefall from the edge of space itself.
In this article, we’ll explore where this record-breaking skydive occurs, the exhilarating details of the jump, and the costs involved in experiencing this extreme adventure.
Where Is The Highest Tandem Skydive in The World for the Public?
The highest tandem skydive in the world is located in Interlaken, Switzerland, at a staggering height of 41,000 feet (12,500 meters). This location is known for its spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and pristine natural surroundings, which combine with the adrenaline rush of freefalling from over seven miles above the Earth’s surface.
Interlaken has long been known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, offering a variety of extreme sports. However, the tandem skydive here stands out because of the immense altitude from which the jump takes place, making it the highest tandem skydive in the world open to the public. Unlike typical skydiving experiences, where jumpers ascend in small planes to about 10,000 to 15,000 feet, this experience pushes the boundaries of human courage and technological achievement.
The jump is organized by a specialized team of skydiving professionals who use high-altitude aircraft to transport thrill-seekers to the jump point. This is not your average skydive – it’s an adrenaline-fueled adventure at the absolute limits of what’s possible.
How Does the Highest Tandem Skydive Work?
1. Pre-Jump Training
Before taking the plunge, participants undergo a short but thorough briefing on safety procedures. This includes instructions on body positioning, how to react during the freefall, and how to deploy the parachute safely.
Unlike solo skydiving, where jumpers must learn how to control their descent, tandem skydivers are paired with experienced instructors who manage the jump. The instructor is the one in control of the parachute and is responsible for the safety of both the skydiver and the tandem passenger.
2. The Ascent
To reach 41,000 feet, jumpers board a pressurized aircraft, typically a specialized twin-engine plane equipped for high-altitude flight. The flight itself takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on weather conditions and aircraft speed. Along the way, participants are treated to breathtaking views of the Alps, which can help calm nerves before the leap.
At 41,000 feet, jumpers are above most commercial airliners and well into the stratosphere. It’s an altitude that only a few dare to reach, but for the experienced instructor, this is just part of the routine.
3. The Jump
Once the aircraft reaches the designated altitude, the tandem skydivers exit the plane. For the next 85 to 90 seconds, they experience the thrill of freefall at speeds of up to 125 mph (200 km/h). The adrenaline rush is unlike any other, as you plummet toward the Earth, with nothing but the vast blue sky surrounding you.
The descent from 41,000 feet is much longer and more intense than standard skydives. Freefalling from this altitude gives participants a unique experience: it’s so high that the ground appears to curve slightly due to the Earth’s curvature. For many, it’s the closest they’ll ever come to feeling like a skydiving astronaut.
4. The Parachute Deployment
After the freefall, the instructor deploys the parachute at approximately 5,000 feet. The glide down to Earth takes around 4-5 minutes, giving jumpers plenty of time to enjoy the scenic views of the Swiss Alps below.
During the descent, the instructor will often allow the tandem skydiver to control the parachute briefly, which adds another layer of excitement and engagement. As the parachute opens, the jumpers experience a calm and peaceful descent, a stark contrast to the intensity of the freefall.
5. Landing
The landing is soft and controlled, with the instructor guiding both themselves and the tandem passenger to the ground. The smooth landing is the final reward after an adrenaline-packed experience, leaving participants with a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration.
Why Is It The Highest Tandem Skydive?
The height of 41,000 feet is what makes this tandem skydive unique. Standard tandem jumps usually take place at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, but this skydiving experience goes much further.
The reason for such a high jump involves specialized equipment and aircraft. The plane used for the high-altitude skydive is equipped with pressurized cabins to ensure that jumpers remain safe during their ascent. Additionally, the jump takes place
above the point where most commercial airlines fly, so there are fewer atmospheric disturbances, and jumpers can experience the thrill of near-space conditions.
The Costs of the Highest Tandem Skydive
While skydiving from 41,000 feet sounds like a dream come true, it’s not a cheap adventure. The cost of this extreme tandem skydive can vary depending on the company, time of year, and additional services offered. Below is a general breakdown of the costs involved in this record-breaking experience.
Standard Cost for the Skydive:
The base price for the tandem skydive from 41,000 feet is approximately $3,500 to $4,500 USD per person. This fee includes the cost of the flight, instructor, equipment, and the jump itself.
Video and Photo Packages:
To capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience, many jumpers opt to purchase video and photo packages. These packages can range in cost from:
$300 to $500 USD for professionally edited videos and photos of the jump. A GoPro camera attached to the instructor often captures the entire experience, including the breathtaking views, freefall, and parachute descent.
Training and Preparation Costs:
Although this is a tandem skydive, there are still some preliminary training sessions involved. In some cases, the cost of training is included in the overall price, but some companies may charge additional fees for this.
Expect to pay $100 to $150 USD for pre-jump training if it’s not included in the base price.
Additional Fees:
Insurance: Some companies offer additional insurance policies for jumpers, especially those participating in extremely high-altitude jumps. The cost for this extra coverage may be an additional $50 to $150 USD, depending on the terms.
Transportation: Some companies offer pick-up and drop-off services for participants traveling from specific locations. The cost for this service could add another $100 to $200 USD to the total price.
Group Discounts:
For those looking to jump in a group, some companies offer group discounts. These discounts typically range from 10% to 20% off the total cost per person if a certain number of people book the jump together.
Who Should Consider This Tandem Skydive?
This high-altitude tandem skydive is ideal for people who are looking for the ultimate thrill and are not afraid of pushing the limits. However, there are some requirements and recommendations for potential jumpers:
Age: Participants generally need to be at least 18 years old, though some companies may allow individuals as young as 16 with parental consent.
Health: Because of the extreme altitude, it’s important for jumpers to be in good health. Those with heart conditions, respiratory problems, or certain medical issues may be advised against participating.
Weight: The maximum weight limit for tandem skydiving is usually around 230-250 pounds (105-113 kg), though this can vary by company.
Conclusion
For thrill-seekers looking to experience the pinnacle of tandem skydiving, Interlaken, Switzerland, offers an unparalleled adventure with the highest tandem skydive in the world. At 41,000 feet, it’s an experience that not only pushes the boundaries of human daring but also provides breathtaking views and a feeling of freefalling into the edge of space.
Related topics:
