Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva Balloon Company

Some people spend their lives searching for their passion. For John Trione, it found him during a hot air balloon ride celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary.

In this episode of Between the Buoys, we sat down with John, owner of Lake Geneva Balloon Company, to talk about how a single balloon ride turned into a career, what makes ballooning over Geneva Lake so special, and why thousands of guests have trusted his team to help them cross a bucket list experience off their list.

🎈 Watch the full Between the Buoys episode on YouTube:

From One Flight to a Lifelong Passion

John never planned on becoming a hot air balloon pilot.

At the time, he was working in the corporate world when he surprised his wife with a hot air balloon ride for their anniversary. Within minutes of taking off, he knew his future had changed.

Just 60 days later, he purchased his first balloon and began training. After earning the experience and certifications required by the FAA, he launched what would eventually become Lake Geneva Balloon Company.

Today, John has logged more than 1,500 flights and has spent nearly three decades flying over Southeastern Wisconsin.

More Than a Balloon Ride

When guests book a flight, they are not simply purchasing a ride. They are experiencing one of the most unique views in the Midwest.

From hundreds of feet above the ground, passengers can take in Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake, Como Lake, rolling hills, winding rivers, and miles of beautiful countryside.

According to John, part of the magic comes from seeing people reconnect with a sense of wonder.

"I tell people all the time that I turn adults into ten year olds."

The experience is just as memorable for the people watching from the ground. Families stop to wave, traffic slows down to admire the view, and children often run outside to watch the balloons float overhead.

Safety Comes First

One of the biggest misconceptions about hot air ballooning is that flights happen no matter what.

In reality, weather dictates everything.

John explained that guests should expect weather-related cancellations throughout the season. Wind conditions, storm activity, and atmospheric changes all play a role in determining whether a flight can safely take place.

After nearly 30 years of flying in the area, John's knowledge of local weather patterns, combined with modern forecasting tools and extensive flight experience, helps ensure every flight is conducted safely.

His team also plays a major role in the experience. From flight preparation to tracking the balloon from the ground, every crew member helps make each flight smooth, professional, and enjoyable.

Why the Geneva Lakes Area Is Perfect for Ballooning

John believes the Geneva Lakes area is one of the most beautiful places in the country to experience hot air ballooning.

The region's lakes, rolling terrain, forests, and farmland create constantly changing scenery throughout every flight.

One of his favorite routes follows the White River corridor between Burlington and Lake Geneva, offering incredible views of wildlife and natural landscapes that many people never get to see from the ground.

For locals, it provides a completely new perspective on familiar places. For visitors, it creates memories that last a lifetime.

Celebrating 25 Years

Lake Geneva Balloon Company will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027, a milestone few small businesses achieve.

To mark the occasion, John hopes to host a special balloon festival in the Lake Geneva area featuring multiple balloons and a nighttime balloon glow event, where illuminated balloons light up the evening sky.

It would be a fitting celebration for a company that has spent nearly a quarter century creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Ready to Take Flight?

If you've ever looked up at a hot air balloon drifting over Geneva Lake and wondered what it would be like, now might be the perfect time to find out.

Learn more about upcoming flights, availability, and special events by visiting Lake Geneva Balloon Company:

https://www.lakegenevaballoon.com

And don't forget to watch the full Between the Buoys episode to hear John's incredible story and see why ballooning continues to capture the imagination of people of all ages.

🎥 Watch the full episode here:

Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Geneva Lake | Between the Buoys with John Trione