How did it all start?
It's Wednesday, the middle of winter. I'm sitting in my office working on a detailed analysis of last year. It's cloudy outside, raining, or rather pouring, with a horror movie-style foggy haze.
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Pep. Tiredly and a bit like an automaton, I pick up my phone to read the message:
"Hi, we have an open seat in a balloon for tomorrow for a flight over the Alps. Are you coming? Departure this afternoon."
I put the phone down and continue my analysis. It takes a while for my brain to switch to full consciousness and start thinking about the surprise: What? A flight over the Alps and in a balloon? That sounds totally awesome!
What all do I have planned for today and tomorrow? Can it possibly be postponed? Is it realistic to be able to pack today and leave in a hurry? What do I actually need to take with me? And will it be cold up there?
Whoever wants to, looks for ways
I look out the window again, then at the computer, back out the window, and the answer is unequivocally "I'm going!"
The plan is this - pack quickly and head for the Austrian Alps after the last meeting of the afternoon. Starting tomorrow morning at 9am from the ski resort of Filsmoos below Dachstein.
photo: rakousko.cz
A morning in the Alps is like a movie cut
I wake up to a different reality - azure skies, bright sunshine, snow-dusted slopes and beautiful mountain silhouettes.The thermometer reads -10°C and it's really cold in the shade, so it's a good idea to dress in winter clothes for the flight and especially wear warm boots. The flight takes off directly from the town of Filzmoos, which is already decorated with a colourful panorama of balloons.
photo: filzmoo.at
Traditional Balloon Fiesta at Filzmoos
The flight is actually part of the Balloon Fiesta, a traditional hot air balloon gathering that takes place every year. Balloon crews from all over the world come here and enjoy several days of beautiful views, 360° turns and stunning snowy panoramas. And you know what the best part is? Apart from the beautiful mountain views, the huge advantage of the Fiesta is that you can see other balloons above the mountains. And you don't get a view like that...
Up into the sky
Our balloon is almost inflated, we get into the basket and gently take off upwards. Where to? That depends on the wind... this time it has prepared for us the direction of Abtenau. But I think a flight in any direction would be absolutely magical here. We enjoy the view of the other balloons that gradually rise with us into the sky. It's a breathtaking sight, the town below us getting smaller and the beautiful snow-capped panorama of mountain ranges spreading out around us.
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The views during the balloon flight are magical, seeing Dachstein (which is almost as tall as two Sněžkas), Bischofmütze and Grossglockner from above is a sight I'll probably never forget. Another balloon on Dachstein even landed on a pee-pee. Too bad we didn't need one too, it would have been another unusual experience. :)
What is the best thing about ballooning over the Alps?
Everyone liked something different, some people couldn't get enough of the panoramas (for which they did 360° turns with us, by the way) and the incredible views into the distance, others gushed over the fact that we counted more than 30 hot air balloons in the sky at one point... I was thrilled with everything. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised that it was pleasantly warm from the sun and the burner at the top (we climbed up to 3500 meters!), so I really enjoyed the flight.
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In total, the balloon flight over the Alps lasted just under three hours, with the wind gradually pulling us down into the valley with the other balloons, flying over the slopes and charming Alpine houses, and finally landing safely on the snow without any crushing.
Packing up and going
After landing and some enthusiastic storytelling, we helped pack up the balloon and got into the car that took us back to Filzmoos and slowly, with a never-ending smile on our faces, we headed towards home... I'll remember this flight for a long time, it was an absolute fairy tale. If you get a chance, make sure you go too. Flying over the Alps in a hot air balloon is an experience to remember.
