Indoor skydiving vs parachuting: which to choose?
Indoor skydiving vs real parachute jump: compare safety, thrills, price and access. Discover why RealFly Sion is the ideal alternative from age 5. Fly today!
Indoor Skydiving vs. Traditional Parachuting
In the world of thrills, two experiences stand out: indoor skydiving and traditional parachuting. Let's explore the fundamental differences between these two exhilarating adventures.

1. Indoor Skydiving: A Controlled Experience
The indoor skydiving experience at RealFly Sion takes place in a specially designed simulator. Participants are supported by powerful airflows, offering the sensation of flying in complete safety. This experience occurs in a controlled environment and is accessible to everyone, providing a taste of freefall without the constraints of altitude and weather. Regardless of the day's weather conditions, the indoor skydiving simulator allows you to enjoy the activity in any circumstance. Get those sensations without worrying about the weather in our wind tunnel!
A little extra for accessibility: our indoor skydiving simulator is open to the whole family from 5 years old, which is not the case for skydiving.
2. Traditional Parachuting: The Authentic Experience
Traditional parachuting involves an ascent by plane to high altitudes, followed by a real freefall. Participants feel the adrenaline of jumping into the void and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view before the parachute opens for a gentle descent back to the ground.
However, at RealFly Sion, you have a view of the snow-capped mountains. So come and test the wind tunnel to discover our beautiful mountainous panorama.
3. Major Differences
Accessibility: Indoor skydiving is often more accessible as it doesn't require specific weather conditions and is suitable for a wider range of people. Indoor skydiving is accessible to children from 5 years old, whereas you need to be 10 years old for a tandem parachute jump.
Duration of the experience: Indoor skydiving generally offers fixed-duration sessions, while traditional parachuting can offer a longer experience, including the plane ascent.
Cost: Plane, pilot, fuel, flight authorizations, and parachute and safety equipment all come at a cost. It costs 8x or even 12x the price of a flight at RealFly to jump from a plane.
As a bonus, our Bar Lounge "La Turbine" is at your disposal and offers a varied menu of drinks and small snacks (pizzas, waffles, crêpes, etc.). Come and relax after your workday; you can take the opportunity to watch others fly.
4. Safety and Sensations
Safety:
Indoor skydiving Sion is governed by strict safety standards and meticulous control measures. Indoor skydiving simulators are designed with sophisticated safety devices, and participants are assisted by experienced instructors throughout the experience. Every aspect, from equipment to preliminary training, is rigorously checked to ensure optimal safety. This controlled and structured approach significantly minimizes risks for participants.
On the other hand, traditional parachuting involves inherent risks, although these risks are managed and minimized by certified professionals. Despite strict safety protocols and regular inspections, the outdoor environment and weather variables can introduce unforeseen elements. However, thanks to adequate training and equipment, risks are mitigated, and accidents are extremely rare.
Sensations:
Indoor skydiving offers intense sensations concentrated in a short period of time. Participants feel an adrenaline rush from the start of the experience, with total immersion in the flight environment. The power of the turbines creating the airflow gives the impression of floating in the air, providing feelings of freedom and weightlessness. This intense feeling of flight is condensed into the fixed duration for the session.
In contrast, traditional parachuting offers a more spread-out experience, starting with a plane ascent and culminating in a freefall followed by the parachute opening. This experience allows for a wider range of sensations, moving from the excitement of jumping into the void to the tranquility of the parachute descent, offering moments of contemplation of breathtaking landscapes.
In summary, indoor skydiving offers concentrated and controlled sensations in a specific environment, while traditional parachuting offers a variety of sensations over a longer period, including ascent, freefall, and parachute descent, integrating elements of surprise related to the outdoor environment.
Conclusion
In summary, indoor skydiving and traditional parachuting offer unique and captivating experiences. Each presents distinct advantages, whether in terms of control, accessibility, sensations, or safety.
Ultimately, the choice between these two experiences depends on individual preferences, the search for adrenaline, and one's budget.
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