Falken Air » Ballooning » Alpine crossing
Hot Air Balloon ride "Alps crossing"
Crossing the alps in a hot air ballon from north to south
The greatest experience for every balloonist is crossing the Alps. This trip is difficult to put into words.
During the trip we see the Alps, including the Hohe Tauern National Park with Großglockner, Großvenediger, the Dolomites and more. The landing usually occurs in the area of the Po Valley near Venice.
The height, the different mountain ranges and the panoramic views make this trip so unique.
Ballooning in XXL format
Alpine crossing
The ultimate balloon experience: crossing the Alps from Austria to Italy. The view of the Grossglockner, Grossvenediger, the main Alpine ridge, the Dolomites and distant views, mostly as far as the Po Valley in the direction of Venice, will leave you with amazed faces. Individual mountains and the route can of course vary, but the enthusiasm remains!
If the northern foehn situation is suitable, we will inform you 2 days before the trip.
Period: November to February
Duration of ride: approx. 3-4 hours
€1250,- per person
Details and
Crossing the Alps
We meet at around 8 a.m. at the agreed meeting point/starting point (Zell am See area, St. Johann in Tirol or Inntal)
We'll set up the balloon together and then we'll get started.
The journey goes past the Großglockner, Großvenediger, the main Alpine ridge, the Dolomites and usually ends in the Po Valley.
After 3-4 hours we land and pack the balloon again. After the traditional balloonist baptism, we will have dinner at the accommodation together. The next day we will return by our shuttle-bus.
SPECIAL WEATHER REQUIRED
When is it possible to cross the Alps?
For this trip we need a strong northern foehn with wind of over 80km/h at 5000m, which usually occurs after periods of bad weather.
This trip is possible between November and February, and these weather conditions usually occur only 4-7 times during this time.
2 days before the trip we will know whether it will work and will call you. If you don't have time, we'll get in touch with you on the next trip.
all inclusive
Included services Alpine crossing
Balloon ride
Sparkling wine balloonist baptism
Certificate
1 night in Italy
1 dinner in Italy
Insurance
Transfer back to the meeting point
20% VAT
Requirements &
Info for passengers
- Fit and healthy
- No height restrictions from the doctor
- Good waterproof shoes
- Some flexibility in scheduling
- We will contact you several times if an appointment is not suitable
- We have oxygen on board
Gift vouchers for a balloon ride
You're sure to surprise your loved one with a ballooning voucher. We have a great selection of experiences and adventures for you.
Take a look around our voucher world, you are sure to find the perfect gift!
Registration for crossing the Alps
Contact & Booking
Book online your appointment and choose an approximate date. Please give us further information about your availability in the comments.
If the weather is suitable, we will call you 1-2 days before a trip and if you have time, you can come along, otherwise we will contact you again on the next trip.
If you still have questions, write us a Whatsapp using the button at the bottom right, we will contact you as soon as we are back on the ground.
FAQ
Questions & Answers about all balloon rides
Ticketing
What is the best way to book?
Please book all trips directly in the online calendar.
For the Alpine crossings (date still unknown) simply choose an online booking with any date and in the comments section please provide further information about your availability.
If you have specific questions, the quickest way to hear from us is via the Whatsapp button bottom right. You can also send us an E-mail or you call us. We are in the air a lot, so we are not always available by phone, but we will get back to you soon.
How much earlier should I book?
Depending on the season and occupancy, we recommend to book some days to weeks before the desired date .
If you have already booked your holiday, then book your balloon ride now, preferably at the beginning of the holiday, then we have time to postpone in case of bad weather.
In high season we are often fully booked days in advance, of course there are always gaps in the booking calender.
For the Alpine crossing Please also book online and give us some information about your availability in the comments.
Weather & Season
Can you go ballooning all year round?
Yes! We generally ride all year (assuming suitable weather and wind conditions).
There are a few weeks a year with exceptions due to grazing cattle and horses in the valleys.
What if the weather is bad?
On the day before your ride we know exactly whether your planned trip will take place.
If the weather and wind are not suitable for your date, we will contact you at least the day before. Your trip will then be canceled free of charge and there are no costs for you.
If you like, we would be happy to find a new date with you.
Who can take a ride?
Is there an age limit?
Our trips are suitable for everyone between 8 and 99 years.
For children, we recommend a height of at least 130cm so that they can see over the edge of the basket.
What requirements do you have to meet?
We assume a normal physical condition.
No further requirements are necessary.
How many people fit in a basket?
Depending on the number of people, we use baskets for 2-16 people. Larger groups than that are split into several balloons. Of course, you can also participate alone.
Meeting Point & Schedule
Where is the meeting point?
As soon as we know the weather and wind, we will contact you at the latest the day before by phone and tell you the exact meeting point. Please be available or call us back if necessary.
We ask for your understanding that the balloon ride and therefore also the meeting point always depends on the wind and not on the guests' wishes and is fixed the day before.
The meeting point is usually between Zell am See and Filzmoos (maximum travel time to the meeting point is 1 hour).
Please organize your own travel to the meeting point. If you are on holiday without a car, please contact us, perhaps we can organize a ride to the meeting point (but this cannot be guaranteed).
What time do we meet?
Depending on the time of the year, we meet between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. We will give you the exact time the evening before .
The early meeting points result from the fact that we have to fly before the thermals start, otherwise the balloon becomes uncontrollable.
Where do we end up?
Depending on the wind, an approximate landing location is only known the day before.
However, this is of no importance to you, because our pursuer will take us back to the starting point/meeting point with the shuttle bus.
How long does a balloon ride last?
Depending on the trip the travel time is 1-4 hours. You can find the approximate travel time in the booking calendar. For the entire experience including the return journey, expect around 5-6 hours. For crossing the Alps, expect a travel time of 3-4 hours and 1.5 days including an overnight stay.
Please be aware that it is not about individual minutes of flight but about a beautiful overall experience with an unbeatable panorama. It is impossible to pinpoint a balloon flight down to the exact minutes: our balloon pilots have to take into account the current and constantly changing meteorological conditions in the mountains for a safe flight. These include valley winds, regional winds and landing options. And the latter are not equally available everywhere in mountain valleys. Therefore, individual and short-term decisions have to be made and the flight may be a few minutes shorter or longer.
How does a balloon ride work?
We meet at the agreed time at the meeting point/starting point. After the greeting, we set up the balloon together and then we're off.
We usually enjoy an unbeatable sunrise and fantastic views of the mountains.
Depending on the trip, we land after 1-2 hours and pack the balloon. After the traditional ballonist baptism, our driver will take us back to the meeting point.
How does crossing the Alps work?
We meet at around 8 a.m. at the agreed meeting point/starting point (usually around Zell am See, St. Johann in Tirol or Inntal)
After a short greeting, we set up the balloon and then we're off.
The trip goes past the Grossglockner, Grossvenediger, the main ridge of the Alps, the Dolomites and usually ends in the Po Valley. The route and mountains can of course vary. We have oxygen on board.
After 3-4 hours we land and pack the balloon again. After the traditional balloonist baptism, we will have dinner at the accommodation together. The next day we will return by our shuttle-bus.
Cost
How much does a balloon ride cost?
We offer various trips. In the Overview you can find all prices.
What is included in the price?
Classic summer and winter trips include:
- Balloon ride
- Sparkling wine balloonist baptism
- Certificate
- Insurance
- Transfer back to the meeting point
- 20% VAT
The Alpine crossing includes:
- Balloon ride
- Sparkling wine balloonist baptism
- Certificate
- 1 night in Italy
- 1 dinner in Italy
- Insurance
- Transfer back to the meeting point
- 20% VAT
How can I pay for the trip?
You can pay in CASH, credit card/debit card or with a Falken Air Voucher. .
Clothing & Photography
What clothing do I need?
Dress appropriately for the season, such as hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter.
Please wear sturdy shoes, in winter we recommend warm shoes and gloves. Small backpacks can fit between your feet during the ride.
In summary:
– Sturdy shoes in summer
– Warm shoes in winter
– Sunglasses
– Clothing appropriate for the season
– Gloves in winter
– Cell phone and/or camera
– Wallet
– Small backpacks between the legs are possible, but it is more comfortable without
Are you allowed to take photos/films while driving?
You are welcome to take photos and film during the journey.
The camera must be safely stowed away in your jacket or backpack before landing.
Technology & Security
Why does a balloon float/ride and not fly?
There is a historical reason:
The inventors of the first hot air balloon, the De Montgolfier brothers, explained in 1783 that they float away into the “sea of air”. Since boats are known to ride on the sea, this term was adopted, just in the sea of air.
According to physical logic, everything that is lighter than air and does not have to generate dynamic air movements to get its high weight into the air (such as airplanes, birds, etc.) floats.
Generally:
A balloon only rises due to the warm air generated and cannot be directed in one direction, but is pushed by the wind. However, we can rotate the basket 360 degrees so that everyone has a great view.
Am I insured while riding?
By filling out the ticket you are insured.
Can you go to the toilet while driving?
Unfortunately we don't have a classic toilet with us. Before you start, please go to the toilet again!
There would be a mobile funnel for people with problems. Information about this on request.
I'm afraid of heights, can I still go ballooning?
99% of people who say they are afraid of heights before the ride actually experience no fear of heights at all during the flight. On the contrary, many are quite surprised at how comfortable they feel.
I have physical or mental limitations, can I ride?
This must be clarified and discussed individually . Please contact us.
Book a balloon ride
If you can't find a suitable date at the moment, please check our general booking calendar:
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