mark_r

Just back from the Alvor spring boogie and of all the DZs I have visited in the UK, Spain, Switzerland and the US I think this is my favourite yet. Very fiendly and welcoming, very smoothly run by Norbert and Evelin, super efficient manifesting by Lizzy, 2 great Dornier aircraft, nice cafe on site, great value accomodation available nearby, and the nice beach resort of Alvor only a few minutes away to keep partners or kids happy. What else? 14k on every lift, great views, the opportunity to do oxygen supported loads to a mind bending 21k, and sunset beach landings. A great DZ and I have already decided I will be going back next year.

I made a visit to Skydive Switzerland while on holiday with my family in nearby Speiz. Everyone at the DZ was very friendly and welcoming, and I was on a load in their Porter within half an hour of turning up. The views over Lake Thun and the huge snow covered peaks all around are awe inspiring. The DZ is right next to the Niesen, a dramatic pyramid shaped mountain, and the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau are all nearby. In freefall there is a great sensation of speed as you drop into the valley below the height of the mountain tops. The DZ seems to be mainly a tandem operation during the week, but they welcome fun jumpers and make an effort to slot them in on their loads. In summary, if you are in the Interlaken area a visit to Skydive Switzerland is an absolute must, and I definitely hope to be going back sometime. If there is a more dramatic, scenic DZ anywhere in Europe I will eat my pilot chute!

Just back from my first visit to Lillo and I had a great time. All the staff are incredibly friendly but the place is also very professionally run. Decent planes(Porter and Grand Caravan), good landing area, nice inclusive atmosphere regardless of experience level. Only an hour from Madrid, so for me just about perfect for a long weekend away from the UK to rack up lots of jumps. Downsides? Bit of a slow Spanish start in the morning, but then again they do continue jumping till dusk. No night life to speak of and very limited eating out options in Lillo and nearby Villacanas, but if like me you are happy with a few beers and some basic food after a day's brilliant jumping, Lillo comes highly recommended. I will definitely be going back.