Frequently Answered Questions

While other balloon companies might squeeze you into a balloon basket with 10 or more other passengers, when you fly with Elevated Ballooning, you can expect the solitude of a personal experience. We fly smaller balloons, providing a more intimate experience for you and your friends and family. Our baskets can accommodate parties of up to four people; larger parties can be accommodated, but may be divided into several balloons. Book Your Adventure Online.

Your adventure begins at our meeting location in the center of Driggs, Idaho. This will be just before the sun comes up. You will then watch the assembly of Elevated Ballooning’s gentle giants. Don’t be afraid to ask to help if you want to have a closer experience, we can certainly “put you to work”. Our rides are approximately one hour long, offering spectacular views of the majestic Teton Mountains. Following your flight we celebrate with a traditional champagne toast and a brief history of ballooning. Afterwards we will return you to your lodgings. A jam-packed sunrise adventure!

Weather permitting, we fly six days a week beginning on May 15th and going through November, with our peak season being between June and September. We are closed on Sundays.

Ballooning in Teton Valley is limited to only sunrise adventures, as this is when the winds and thermal activity are at their calmest. The Elevated Ballooning experience starts at sunrise, which coincides with calm winds for flying, and with the awakening of wildlife. We will pick you up around 5:00 AM and return you between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. You can expect your Elevated experience to be between 3 and 4 hours long, including your flight of about one hour.
In Teton Valley, ID the temperatures during flying season can vary greatly. We always suggest dressing for cold or cool conditions, as it can be as cool as 20 degrees at the start of your flight. However it can warm up to 70 degrees by the end of your flight. We recommend that you wear warm clothing, dress in layers, wear closed-toe outdoor shoes and bring hats and sunglasses. After we confirm your reservation we will make further recommendations.

We fly over scenic Teton Valley nestled between the Teton Mountains and the Big Hole Mountains.  The valley is home to the small communities of Victor, Driggs and Tetonia.  The Teton River snakes through the valley along natural wetlands, farms, and ranches.

A balloon flight is dependent on wind speed and direction. Every flight is different and our landing sites vary. A chase crew will follow the balloon while you’re flying and meet you at the landing site. After the balloon is loaded into the truck and trailer and we have completed our toast, passengers will board the van and head back to your accommodations.

In Teton Valley, ID the temperatures during flying season can vary greatly. We always suggest dressing for cold or cool conditions, as it can be as cool as 20 degrees at the start of your flight. However it can warm up to 70 degrees by then end of your flight. We recommend that you wear warm clothing, dress in layers, wear closed-toe outdoor shoes and bring hats and sunglasses. After we confirm your reservation we will make further recommendations.

Our flights vary in altitude based on wind currents, which our pilots observe before every launch. The balloons will fly from ground level to a couple thousand feet in the air, depending on weather.

An accurate estimate of weight is extremely important because each balloon is only able to lift a certain amount of weight. If the group is heavier than we’ve been notified, we may not be able to safely launch with the scheduled number of passengers.

Yes, each person flying in the balloon will need to sign a waiver and minors (under 18) must have written parental or legal guardian consent to fly in the balloon.

Absolutely! We encourage it!

You are not alone. Many people who fly with us have qualms about heights. After landing, most of those that are adventurous enough to take the first step will ask us when they can fly again! The reason is simple: changes in altitude are often undetectable due to the stability of the basket as well as the slow movement of the balloon, offering those with fears of heights a unique opportunity to enjoy the view and feel secure and comfortable.

Yes! But please let us know how many spectators we can expect!

With Elevated Ballooning, safety is of the utmost importance. All pilots and balloons are fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Elevated Ballooning is proud to uphold a very clean record of zero injuries and if we experience poor flying conditions, we will cancel a launch. Cancellations are often due to rain, surrounding storm systems, or high winds and if this is the case, we will try to postpone or reschedule your flight. Elevated Ballooning pilots have access to ‘up to the minute’ weather and wind forecasting, provided specifically for flight related activities and years of experience flying in our valley. Elevated Ballooning will try to reschedule your flight if there is availability. We do not charge your card in advance so you do not have to worry about a refund.

While we and your doctor may agree that the risk is minimal for a pregnant woman to fly, our insurance company feels that "pregnant women are uninsurable due to their pre-existing condition". Sorry for the inconvenience.

Yes, gift certificates can be purchased for a flight at a later date and are valid for two years. Payment must be accepted at the time of purchase before we can provide you the gift certificate. Reservations must be made in advance, and the gift certificate must be presented at time of flight. All the same Elevated rules apply when it comes to equipment limitations, and cancelation policy.

To inquire about donations please email info@elevatedballooning.