MARKUS ANDERS

How long have you been flying? 

I got my A-license in April 2015, so it’s been almost 10 years. 

What fascinates you most about Hike&Fly respectively Hike&Fly races? 

The adventure aspect! You can plan a lot in advance, but the weather always adds an element of surprise with its different conditions. Even if you already know the route, it’s always a bit different with various wind directions and speeds, clouds, resulting shadows, or showers. When you end up going farther than you expected at the end of the day, it’s always super cool! 

Which flight moment stands out the most in your memory? 

During the last Red Bull X-Alps 2023, I started from Niesen in the Bernese Oberland on Day 5, flew around Mont Blanc, and landed just south of the Dufourspitze at the end of the day. It was an exhausting but incredibly beautiful flight. In 2021, it took me almost three days to fly around Mont Blanc due to the weather. That flight in 2023 was already pretty amazing! 

Your most important paragliding achievements? 

The most important achievement for me was the Salewa Ironfly in 2018, which unfortunately no longer exists. The route went through Lombardy and Ticino, which was completely new terrain for me at the time. The field was very competitive, and as a newcomer in one of my first long Hike&Fly races, I was super happy just to be selected. In the end, I finished 3rd on the podium, which ultimately motivated me to apply for Red Bull X-Alps 2019. 

Why do you fly for skywalk? 

For me, skywalk is the brand that offers the most well-rounded package in the Hike&Fly sector. The equipment is very light, but safety and comfort aren’t compromised. I just feel confident in tough conditions. When it comes to performance, the wings are all quite comparable.

HIGHLIGHTS

Red Bull X-Alps
2023: 9th place

MARKUS ANDERS

How long have you been flying? 

I got my A-license in April 2015, so it’s been almost 10 years. 

What fascinates you most about Hike&Fly respectively Hike&Fly races? 

The adventure aspect! You can plan a lot in advance, but the weather always adds an element of surprise with its different conditions. Even if you already know the route, it’s always a bit different with various wind directions and speeds, clouds, resulting shadows, or showers. When you end up going farther than you expected at the end of the day, it’s always super cool! 

Which flight moment stands out the most in your memory? 

During the last Red Bull X-Alps 2023, I started from Niesen in the Bernese Oberland on Day 5, flew around Mont Blanc, and landed just south of the Dufourspitze at the end of the day. It was an exhausting but incredibly beautiful flight. In 2021, it took me almost three days to fly around Mont Blanc due to the weather. That flight in 2023 was already pretty amazing! 

Your most important paragliding achievements? 

The most important achievement for me was the Salewa Ironfly in 2018, which unfortunately no longer exists. The route went through Lombardy and Ticino, which was completely new terrain for me at the time. The field was very competitive, and as a newcomer in one of my first long Hike&Fly races, I was super happy just to be selected. In the end, I finished 3rd on the podium, which ultimately motivated me to apply for Red Bull X-Alps 2019. 

Why do you fly for skywalk? 

For me, skywalk is the brand that offers the most well-rounded package in the Hike&Fly sector. The equipment is very light, but safety and comfort aren’t compromised. I just feel confident in tough conditions. When it comes to performance, the wings are all quite comparable.

HIGHLIGHTS

Red Bull X-Alps
2023: 9th place