Ultramagic – Balloon Simulator

Summary

Ultramagic – Balloon Simulator is a VR flight simulator that lets visitors and experienced pilots take control of a hot-air balloon and fly over a detailed 3D reconstruction of the Pays-d’Enhaut landscape.

Participants step into a one-person basket, put on a VR headset and take off from Château-d’Œx. Using the burner and parachute valve, they control an accurately simulated balloon affected by realistic local winds while navigating the valley, avoiding obstacles and attempting a safe landing.

The simulator is designed both for first-time users and experienced pilots. Gamified flight modes challenge participants to navigate accurately, manage fuel consumption and improve their score. Up to three pilots can fly simultaneously and communicate with one another during the experience.

Ultramagic – Balloon Simulator has been permanently installed at Espace Ballon in Château-d’Œx since January 2024.

Learn more and book a flight.

Credits

Project direction
Frédéric Daenzer, Christophe Moinat – Fondation de l’Espace Ballon

VR platform, experience backend, user check-in, 3D content creation, gameplay and R&D
Artanim

3D landscape acquisition
Uzufly

Balloon flight simulation
Haute École d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture de Fribourg (HEIA-FR)

Ticketing and cloud API
Cashflow, Webforge

Sound environment
Alain Renaud

Haptic devices
Raphaël Anderegg