Experience an unforgettable adventure with Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides over Vermont’s stunning landscapes. Drift gently above rolling Green Mountain foothills with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the majestic Adirondacks, floating quietly as wildlife and vibrant scenery unfold beneath you.
All flights include FAA-licensed pilot as your guide, pre-flight safety briefing, opportunity to watch the set up and inflation, about an hour in the sky at either sunrise or sunset, all required transportation before and after your flight, and end with a classic post-flight celebration where you can share your journey with stories, smiles, and memories you’ll treasure for years.
Check-in is at the Front Door of the Essex Resort, 20 minutes prior to your listed flight time.
Witness set-up and balloon inflation by your pilot and crew.
Sometimes flights last a bit more, sometimes a bit less. Plan on 3-4 hours total from check-in to champagne toast.
We celebrate each adventure with story time, French bubbles, orange juice, non-alcoholic cider, and Vermont-made truffles.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with a hot air balloon ride that takes you above it all. Float effortlessly over rolling hills, winding rivers, and wide-open landscapes as the world unfolds beneath you. Capture breathtaking panoramic views and experience the thrill of flight from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply looking to escape the ordinary, this is the ride you’ll never forget.
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It’s really hard to say as both are spectacular. The best thing is to book your preference early in your visit and be open to both flight windows. This doubles your chances of rescheduling if Mother Nature throws us a curve ball.
We genuinely don’t know. Seriously. Here’s what we CAN tell you:
Our foliage rates go into effect on the 1st day of October each season. You may see a bit color the week before that, but it won’t be peak. Peak foliage for our area occurs throughout the first 2-3 weeks of October. There is plenty of colorful leaves to be seen during that time. As the leaves change color, they are in the process drying and getting ready to separate from the tree. It doesn’t take much wind and rain to pull off the leaves that are in peak color. So “peak foliage” really occurs in waves. Leaves will peak and then fall off when the wind or weight from dew or rain pulls them down. Trees within even less than a half mile of each other can peak at different times. This color change depends upon many variables including soil composition, sunlight exposure, temperature at elevation, moisture content, etc. If you’re looking for the most blazing fiery leaves, in glowing light, beneath perfect blue skies, with harmonious temperatures, and angels singing we’re unable to provide this information.
No. Balloon baskets do not have seats. Passengers will need to stand for the entire flight. Please see our “Fit for Flight” section to determine if balloon flying is right for you or your loved one.
If it is not flyable during your scheduled flight slot, we will contact you and let you know. We will offer you the next possible flight window(s). If these fit your schedule, we simply move you to that slot and proceed. If you are unable to reschedule and our team had to cancel the flight for weather or safety related reasons, there is no charge and you’re not obligated to rebook. No money has changed hands at this point so there is nothing to refund.
