Simon Steiner
| Disciplines | Cross competition |
|---|---|
| nationality | Switzerland |
| city | Winterthur |
| Birth date | 1987 |
| Gin team since | 2026 |
Know more about Simon
Biography
Based in Winterthur, Switzerland, I am a software engineer with a deep passion for paragliding that took flight in 2021. I thrive on the technical challenges of XC and competition flying, constantly pushing my progression. When I’m not in the clouds, I’m usually trail running through the Alps or immersed in the vibrant jazz and electronic music scene in Zurich.
Interview
What’s your job or profession?:
I work as a Software Engineer in the Web Department of a major Swiss health insurance company.
I work as a Software Engineer in the Web Department of a major Swiss health insurance company.
Do you have any hobbies besides paragliding?:
I am a huge fan of live music and hold a lifetime membership at the renowned jazz club Moods in Zurich. My taste is broad, ranging from electronic dance music (techno, DnB, and minimal) to jazz, hip-hop, and indie. To stay fit for the mountains, I also enjoy endurance sports like trail running and cycling.
I am a huge fan of live music and hold a lifetime membership at the renowned jazz club Moods in Zurich. My taste is broad, ranging from electronic dance music (techno, DnB, and minimal) to jazz, hip-hop, and indie. To stay fit for the mountains, I also enjoy endurance sports like trail running and cycling.
When and what inspired you to start paragliding?:
My father comes from the same region as Chrigel Maurer, so I followed Chrigel’s career long before I took up the sport myself. During the 2021 lockdown, I finally had the time to commit fully to the sport. It caught me completely! I’ve been obsessed with progression ever since.
My father comes from the same region as Chrigel Maurer, so I followed Chrigel’s career long before I took up the sport myself. During the 2021 lockdown, I finally had the time to commit fully to the sport. It caught me completely! I’ve been obsessed with progression ever since.
What are your favorite flying spots?:
That’s a tough choice because there are so many incredible sites! Living next to the Alps, I’m spoiled for choice. Generally, I’m happiest wherever the XC conditions are booming and I have the opportunity to explore new terrain.
That’s a tough choice because there are so many incredible sites! Living next to the Alps, I’m spoiled for choice. Generally, I’m happiest wherever the XC conditions are booming and I have the opportunity to explore new terrain.
What is your longest flight?:
A 190km FAI triangle (9h 30m) starting from Mornera.
A 190km FAI triangle (9h 30m) starting from Mornera.
Could you share a link to your longest flight track? (e.g., XContest or similar):
steinerAir/9.05.2024/08:32
steinerAir/9.05.2024/08:32
What do you like most about flying?:
I love finding “the zone” - that state of total focus where everything else disappears. Flying allows me to discover incredible landscapes and serves as a mirror for my personality, constantly pushing me to evolve and learn more about myself.
I love finding “the zone” - that state of total focus where everything else disappears. Flying allows me to discover incredible landscapes and serves as a mirror for my personality, constantly pushing me to evolve and learn more about myself.
Why do you want to be part of the GIN team?:
The GIN team has an incredible density of talent in the Sports Class, and I believe I can learn a lot from such experienced pilots. Furthermore, the handling of the GTO3 has been exceptional; I’m excited to fly a wing that balances such superb performance with refined, intuitive handling.
The GIN team has an incredible density of talent in the Sports Class, and I believe I can learn a lot from such experienced pilots. Furthermore, the handling of the GTO3 has been exceptional; I’m excited to fly a wing that balances such superb performance with refined, intuitive handling.
What are your objectives for the next two years?:
My goal is to become a consistent top-10 contender in the Sports Racing Series (SRS). I’m also very focused on preparing for a potential World Sports Championship - it’s an incredibly exciting time to be competing!
My goal is to become a consistent top-10 contender in the Sports Racing Series (SRS). I’m also very focused on preparing for a potential World Sports Championship - it’s an incredibly exciting time to be competing!
What advice would you give to new pilots?
Take it step-by-step and inhale every learning opportunity. Talk to experienced pilots, fly as many different spots as possible to understand various conditions, and, above all, find the specific style of flying that brings you the most genuine joy.
Take it step-by-step and inhale every learning opportunity. Talk to experienced pilots, fly as many different spots as possible to understand various conditions, and, above all, find the specific style of flying that brings you the most genuine joy.
Achievements
1st
SRS Poggio Bustone
2025
Overall
1st
Mosel Trophy
2025
Sports Class
2nd
Palz-Alsace-Open
2025
Sports Class
2nd
Swiss Open Verbier
2024
Sports Class
3rd
Swiss Open Disentis
2025
Sports Class
14th
SRS league
2025
Overall
