"It would be great to be able to fly down there now." It all started with this sentence, said by a boy to his uncle. The uncle assured his nephew Alex that he knew someone who could make it possible - said and done. The very next day, Alex Rauter experienced his first flight with a paraglider. That was over 30 years ago. The man from Lermoos, who everyone calls Alex, now holds several flight records - and fulfils other people's dream of flying with his flying school.
Paragliding: a simple flying machine
With his Alex Rauter flying school, he organises tandem flights from the Zugspitze and Grubigstein. Alex knows exactly why more and more people want to go paragliding: "It's the simplest aircraft - light and small. You walk up the mountain, enjoy the view and then take off with the paraglider for a wonderful flight. The feeling of freedom is what makes it so special."
But of course the thrill, the special kick of paragliding is another reason why so many people want to try it out. Flying by yourself is even more exciting, he emphasises: "You don't have to rely on anyone. I make all the decisions on my own. It's a game with the elements." Rauter therefore recommends that anyone who is in good health and physically fit should learn to paraglide themselves.
The record holder of the skies
But he not only enjoys flying, he is also a very successful paraglider. In 2008, Alex Rauter set a world record. "I climbed seven peaks in 17 hours and conquered 8,848 metres of altitude on foot, just with my paraglider on the Rügen," he reports. "A unique experience in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena."
That's why he is not surprised that others who want to climb high come to his region: Because, in his opinion, this is simply the most beautiful flying region far and wide.
