About Us
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures
Our pilots bring passion, expertise, and a deep love for flight to every balloon ride. Flying over the stunning landscapes of Pagosa Springs and beyond, they create unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.
At Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures, we are dedicated to providing exceptional balloon flights led by skilled, experienced pilots who understand the unique challenges of flying over the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Colorado. Our pilots combine precision, adaptability, and deep local knowledge to navigate the diverse terrain—from towering mountains and dense forests to winding rivers and expansive valleys. Flying in this dynamic environment requires mastery of wind currents at varying altitudes to deliver safe, smooth, and memorable flights every time.
Austin Marchand, Pilot & Business Owner
Austin was born in Durango, Colorado, and raised in Pagosa Springs, where he developed a lifelong connection to this spectacular region. Since earning his commercial hot air balloon pilot license in 2017, Austin has flown hundreds of flights across Colorado’s breathtaking mountain and forest terrain.
Flying seven days a week year-round, Austin combines his extensive local knowledge with more than 800 piloting hours to deliver smooth, safe, and inspiring flights. When he’s not in the basket, Austin enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Austin is proud to continue the family tradition started by his father, sharing the magic of hot air ballooning with every passenger who joins Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures.
When he isn’t flying, Austin enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, and being outside in the beautiful area of Pagosa Springs, Colorado!
Mike Marchand, Founder
Mike Marchand founded Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures in 1986. What started as a one-man operation has since blossomed into a thriving family business, now shared by his son Austin.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico—the balloon capital of the world—Mike’s passion for ballooning runs deep. He has an older brother who teaches college in California, a younger sister living in Fort Collins, Colorado, and his mother still resides in Albuquerque.
With roots in Albuquerque—the balloon capital of the world—Mike has flown in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for decades and has flown commercial rides there since 2000. Mike founded two beloved local balloon events: Colorfest, launched in 1986, which features a mass hot air balloon ascension, balloon glow, and other festivities; and the Winterfest Hot Air Mass Ascension, founded in 1987. Both events have grown significantly and are now proudly managed by the local Chamber of Commerce.
Reflecting on his journey, Mike shares:
“After moving to Pagosa Springs in 1980 to be a ski bum, I noticed timeshare visitors needed fun activities. I started Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures in 1986, though it was initially part-time work. To keep the business going, I worked various jobs — bartending, truck driving, law enforcement, construction — whatever it took. In 2000, the tourist trade grew strong enough for me to become a full-time balloon pilot.”
Want to see the spectacular views Austin and Mike do?
Associations and Organizations Member
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures is a member of the organizations and associations listed below. The goal of each is to set, ensure and exceed high safety standards, proper pilot certification and accountability, balloon equipment reliability, and ongoing education in the hot air ballooning field.
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures is also a member of: