Festival International de Ballons

Every winter, the famously cold Swiss Alps are warmed by community, colors, and hot air (the good kind). For over 40 years, people gather every January in the village of Château-d’Œx for the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Up to 100 balloonists, not to mention upwards of 50,000 spectators, from all over the world come together to celebrate this epic 9-day festival.

On each weekend morning of the festival, some 60-70 balloons rise up in unison for a “mass ascension” in a synchronized lift-off. Talk about elevated choreography! Hot-air balloon rides are naturally in high demand, but the sky’s the limit—literally—with air shows featuring acrobatic planes, paragliders, and even mini balloon demonstrations. For those who prefer to stay a bit more grounded, there are flying competitions to watch, the iconic night glow shows, exhibitions, an on-site balloon museum, and more!

The skies above this “alpine capital of hot air ballooning” provide great airspace for the balloons due to the area’s wind patterns and the white, snowy Alps serve as a great backdrop for the colorful balloons, but the location is also a special place for those who appreciate the history behind these iconic sky lanterns. On March 1, 1999, the first hot air balloon to circumnavigate the earth in one trip, the Breitling Orbiter 3, took off from Château-d’Œx. Pilots Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones spent 19 days, 21 hours, and 55 minutes in the balloon.

Though they had heaters to keep the cabin temperature at 59 °F (15 °C), temperatures occasionally dropped so much that their drinking water froze and they had to chip away ice from their electric circuits on the interior walls. Next time you complain about airplane AC, be grateful that at least your complimentary glass of water isn’t frozen solid!

Reflecting on their journey at a news conference, Piccard said, “We took off as friends and landed as brothers.” So, if you’re looking for a bonding experience with a friend, perhaps consider spending almost 20 days in a floating basket at over 38,000 feet: the ultimate way to take your friendship to new heights.