Let’s face it, life gets noisy. So if you’re looking for a truly unique way to rise above the daily grind (literally), a hot-air balloon ride over Vermont might be just the escape you need.
Every year, millions flock to Vermont to enjoy its natural beauty—especially in the summer and fall. But while most people explore by car, bike, or hiking boots, you can take it to the next level. Picture this: floating peacefully in a wicker basket, the wind guiding your way as you gaze out over Lake Champlain, golden fields, green mountains, colorful mountainsides, and sleepy towns of the greater Burlington area waking up below.
Sound magical? That’s because a Burlington, Vermont hot air balloon ride is.
Meet Your Pilot: Jeff Snyder of Above Reality
Jeff Snyder, who lives in Jericho just outside Burlington, probably has one of the best "offices" in the state. He's the owner and pilot of Above Reality, Vermont’s premier hot-air balloon company—and he’s been flying high for decades.
His passion for ballooning began during a college internship in Arizona, and it’s taken him all over the world—from the Grand Canyon to New Zealand to the Philippines. But Vermont kept calling him back.
“I'd seen enough of the country to know I wanted to start my business in the place where I grew up,” Jeff says. “Maybe I’m biased, but I think this is one of the most stunning places to fly in the entire country.”
One of his balloons, The Essex, is the largest in New England—spacious enough to carry up to 14 passengers in first-class accommodations along with Jeff. And whether it’s your first flight or your fifth, every trip is different.
What to Expect when Hot Air Ballooning in Vermont: The Unexpected
Once you add hot air ballooning to your list of things to do in Vermont, expect the unexpected. No two flights are the same. Depending on the wind, you might float over forests, farmland, ponds, or neighborhoods. You might spot deer or even a moose. You could drift quietly over a mirror-still lake and catch your reflection in the water. Sometimes, the basket gently brushes the treetops. And on clear days, you can see the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain – and even catch a glimmer of Montreal on the horizon.
Once, Jeff even landed briefly on the runway at Burlington International Airport — with permission from the control tower, of course. (Fun fact: balloons have the right-of-way over planes.)
One Yelp reviewer gushed, “My wife and I couldn’t have asked for a better ride, gliding over the city at sunset, Lake Champlain shimmering below us, and finishing with a glass of Champagne in a quiet field. A wonderful little adventure you won’t forget!”
Sunrise or Sunset?
Above Reality flights take off twice a day: Just after sunrise and a couple of hours before sunset. Don’t let the early time scare you off – Jeff swears by morning flights.
“They’re absolutely enchanting,” he says. “Well worth the early wake-up call.”
Each trip lasts three to four hours from start to finish, with about an hour in the air. Passengers can assist the crew in helping to inflate and pack up the balloon, though it's optional. (But let’s be honest – helping launch a balloon is half the fun.)
A Toast to the Magic of Landing
Since balloons don’t have steering wheels, where you land is always a surprise. Jeff uses an iPad with GPS to navigate and follow where the breezes take the balloon, while coordinating landings with his trained ground crew. Sometimes he touches down in open fields, other times right in someone’s neighborhood.
There’s a longstanding ballooning tradition that Jeff’s team always honors: bringing Champagne to thank the landowners. One woman was so touched, she invited the group up to her deck and pulled out crystal flutes she hadn’t used in 15 years. “She said it felt like the perfect moment to finally celebrate,” Jeff recalls.
Thinking About Booking? Plan Your Flight
Here’s what you need to know:
- Pricing: Flights start at $395 per person. You can check out options and book online at balloonvermont.com.
- Getting There: The trips begin and end at the Essex Resort and Spa, where shuttle transport takes passengers to the balloon launch site.
- What to Wear: Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes (you’ll be climbing in and out of a tall basket), and bring a hat and sunglasses.
- What to Bring: Don’t forget your camera—and make sure it’s fully charged! Bring a spare battery just in case. This is one photo op you won’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: Schedule your flight early in your trip, so if weather forces a cancellation, there’s time to reschedule.
Why Hot Air Ballooning Belongs on Your Vermont Itinerary
So if you're looking to hit pause on real life for a few magical hours, head skyward. There’s nothing quite like the quiet drift of a hot-air balloon to remind you how beautiful the world is. Let your adventure begin with Above Reality.
