

But as you ascend (and will be beneath the balloon's burner) you'll warm up pretty quick.

What to Bringīecause hot air balloon rides begin early in the morning, the temperature at takeoff is usually very cool. You'll then be zipped back by van to the liftoff field, grinning from ear to ear. The early-morning sunlight filters in behind the balloons, set them aglow like lanterns.Įventually, you'll drift down to an empty field or parking lot of the pilot's choosing, aided by chase crew, which follows the balloon to your landing spot and stabilizes your basket as you land. Beneath you will be the emerald expanse of the Boulder Valley, the still-snowy Rocky Mountain peaks beyond to the west, and the plains of the Front Range flattening out to your east. Your pilot will stoke the burner (with that trademark "shhhhhhhh" noise) the crew will untie your craft and you'll start to rise up slowly into the air - a once-in-a-lifetime thrill in itself.Īs you gain altitude, the views expand in every direction.
#Hot air balloon near me update
They'll greet you, give you a weather update and, if all is a go, you'll watch the team start to set up for the ascent and most likely get a chance to lend a helping hand.įinally, it's time to climb into one of the huge baskets, many of which can accommodate 10 or so passengers. A picnic breakfast of coffee, tea, pastries, muffins and juices (and oftentimes mimosas!) helps make it worth getting there early. Boulder's hot air balloon companies are some of the friendliest around. Most hot air balloon rides start at an ungodly hour (around 6am or so) to catch the stillest air. Three Boulder companies offer hot air balloon rides: Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights, Life Cycle Balloon Adventures and Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures. Drift silently over the Boulder Valley's rolling hills, swaying fields, ponds and stands of trees while you soak up the early-morning sun and fresh air - all with the spectacular Rocky Mountains in the distance. Perhaps one of the best ways to see Boulder is from the sky.
