Kayakers paddling on calm lake as a hot air balloon drifts

Soar Over Vermont with Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides

Shared and private three-and-a-half-hour balloon flights from Essex Junction with panoramic views of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain and a celebratory champagne toast.

Tours & Experiences

Shared basket rides and private basket flights — sunrise scenic flights and special‑occasion bookings available.

Essex Junction

Views of Vermont Shared Basket Ride in Essex Junction

Take to the skies over Vermont on a hot air balloon ride with Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides. Soar above the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain for a stunning shared basket experience.

Views of Vermont Shared Basket Ride in Essex Junction

aerial adventures

water activities

Essex Junction, Vermont

Essex Junction

Private Hot Air Balloon Flights in Essex Junction, VT

Soar above Vermont’s Green Mountains and Lake Champlain with a private hot air balloon flight from Essex Junction. Enjoy stunning views, expert pilots, and a champagne toast to celebrate your unforgettable adventure.

Private Hot Air Balloon Flights in Essex Junction, VT

About Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides is a Vermont-based hot air balloon operator located in Essex Junction. Since 2002, Above Reality has specialized in creating safe, scenic balloon flights that showcase the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. The company offers both shared basket rides and private basket flights, each typically organized as a three-and-a-half-hour experience that includes ground transportation, the flight from sunrise or selected times, crew support, and a celebratory champagne toast.

Pilots and crew focus on safety, following FAA guidelines and established pre-flight checks, weather briefings, and proven inflation and landing procedures. Above Reality emphasizes experienced flight crews and regular maintenance of its balloons and equipment to support reliable operations. Reservations, group bookings, and private flights are available through advance scheduling, allowing guests to plan for special occasions, proposals, or guided scenic flights.

Passengers can expect panoramic views of Vermont landmarks, including sweeping vistas of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain from the unique vantage of a hot air balloon. The experience caters to a range of customers, from first-time flyers to experienced ballooning enthusiasts seeking private flights or shared rides.

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides provides clear preflight instructions, safety briefings, and a post-flight celebration to complete the experience. The company’s long history of operations since 2002 and focus on safety and customer experience make it a recognized provider of balloon flights in the Essex Junction and greater Vermont region. Gift certificates and seasonal packages are available for families, anniversaries, corporate events, and memorable celebrations year-round.

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides fleet

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides team

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Vermont — Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides offers scenic hot air balloon rides near Essex Junction, Vermont, presenting a unique way to see the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. As a long-established operator since 2002, Above Reality provides shared basket rides and private basket flights. These three-and-a-half-hour experiences include the preflight briefing, the balloon flight, crew support, and a celebratory champagne toast.

Why Choose Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides

Local Vermont expertise: Flights launch from the Essex Junction area and focus on panoramic views of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.
Shared and private options: Book a shared basket ride for a social flight or reserve a private basket flight for proposals, anniversaries, or group events.
Established operator: Operating since 2002, Above Reality is a long-running presence in Vermont ballooning.

Featured Trips

Views of Vermont Shared Basket Ride — Experience the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain from a shared basket. The shared flight is a three-and-a-half-hour adventure that culminates with a champagne toast.
Private Basket Flights — Private basket flights offer the same three-and-a-half-hour format with an emphasis on an intimate experience above Vermont’s landscapes and a celebratory champagne toast.

What to Expect on a Vermont Balloon Flight

Preflight briefing covering safety, boarding, and landing procedures.
Crew support for inflation, launch, and recovery.
Scenic views of Vermont’s iconic landscapes, including sweeping vistas of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.
Post-flight celebration with a champagne toast to mark the experience.

Safety and Preparation

Safety procedures include standard pre-flight checks, weather briefings, and trained pilots and crew. Guests receive clear preflight instructions and a safety briefing before boarding. Above Reality operates balloons and equipment maintained to support safe flight operations in accordance with standard aviation practices.

Booking and Gift Options

Reservations and group bookings are available by advance scheduling. Shared rides accommodate multiple passengers in one basket, while private basket flights provide a dedicated experience for couples or groups. Gift certificates and seasonal packages are offered for families, anniversaries, corporate events, and special celebrations.

Keywords & Local Search Phrases

To find flights, search terms that align with this operator include: hot air balloon rides Vermont, Vermont balloon rides, Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides, Essex Junction balloon flights, Green Mountains balloon ride, Lake Champlain balloon view, shared basket ride Vermont, and private basket flights Vermont.

Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides provides a documented, location-based ballooning option for visitors and locals seeking sunrise flights, scenic tours, and private celebrations above Vermont’s natural landmarks.

Hot air balloon floating over colorful forested hills

Reserve Your Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Vermont

Secure a shared or private basket ride from Essex Junction — limited daily flights include a champagne toast and crew-led safety briefings.