Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its picturesque snow-capped peaks, powder skiing, wildlife, and local come-as-you-are culture. It’s the ultimate outdoor destination, filled with opportunities for adventure fit for the entire family. In Pagosa Springs, we encompass all that Colorado is, packed into a small and welcoming community tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is what makes hot air ballooning here so special.
We seriously love our job because we seriously love where we live. It’s hard not to when you’re soaring through the air with 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains and the infamous Pagosa Peak.
“My favorite thing about ballooning in our area of Colorado would have to be the views,” says owner and pilot Austin Marchand. “They never get old. My family has been doing this here since I was a kid, and it still feels so special to see the first dusting of snow from the air.”
It isn’t uncommon for us to see several types of local wildlife, such as deer, elk, bears, foxes, or even bald eagles. It’s a year-round activity, with each season bringing its own set of wonderful experiences—whether it’s snow-capped mountains, golden aspen leaves, bright green summers, or spring wildflower blooms.
Colorado is famous for its 300 days of sunshine per year, which our pilots love to hear. “My other favorite thing about flying here is the weather. We need tons of clear weather to fly consistently, and thankfully, Pagosa usually delivers,” says Austin. “I love that I get to wake up and go ballooning, and then I get to spend the rest of my day taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer—whether that’s snowboarding, hiking, climbing, or mountain biking.”
This is exactly why our pilots and crew choose hot air ballooning in Colorado; every day brings more adventure.
Preparing for Your Flight
What to Wear and Bring
Although the weather in Pagosa is often perfect for ballooning, it can also be unpredictable due to our altitude and proximity to the mountains. We don’t fly in windy or stormy conditions, so you won’t have to worry about that on your flight. However, depending on the season, temperatures can change drastically from the time we meet for the flight to the time we finish. So, layers are your friend!
In the winter, we recommend a winter jacket and pants, with snow boots, gloves, and warm socks. It’s warm in the balloon because of the burners, so you can shed layers if needed. The burners might feel hot on your head, so we recommend wearing a hat as well. We keep extras in the balloon in case you forget or get uncomfortable!
In the summer, we recommend a T-shirt and a light jacket or sweater, as it can be chilly in the morning before it warms up. We also recommend wearing long pants, and close-toed shoes are required for your safety.
Since we are remarkably close to the sun here in Colorado, sunscreen is always a good idea. You are welcome to bring small backpacks and purses, as well as any snacks or water you may need. Of course, cell phones, cameras, and sunglasses are allowed, but they are your responsibility!
What Happens During the Ride?
We don’t want to spoil too much of what’s ahead of you, but here’s what you can generally expect:
After watching the sunrise over the Rockies, you’ll be greeted by our cheerful and personable crew. You’ll then get to see everything involved in the inflation of a hot air balloon. You’re welcome to help, but it’s never required.
During your ride, expect to learn about the area from our pilots and crew, as well as fun facts about Colorado. You’ll get to see the valley and mountains from a completely new perspective!
After your adventure, our crew will meet you at the landing site and pack away the balloon. Then, we will head back to our meeting spot for champagne, pastries, pictures, and stories from our pilots and crew!
Tips for Enjoying the Experience to the Fullest
We understand that adventures like this can be nerve-wracking, and we want to ease that feeling! If you’re nervous, please feel free to visit our FAQ page or call us with your questions.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the adventure. People who experience motion sickness rarely feel it in a hot air balloon—it’s extremely uncommon! Similarly, a fear of heights doesn’t typically apply, as the experience feels peaceful and stable.
We encourage everyone to keep an open mind toward ballooning. Even if it’s something you wouldn’t usually consider, you’ll likely be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
Capturing the Perfect Photos
Hot air balloons are incredibly majestic, especially with the picturesque backdrop of the San Juan Mountain range. We encourage you to bring phones and cameras because there’s nothing quite like seeing the sheer beauty of the Rocky Mountains on a calm morning.
Pro Tips for Photos
Balloons are far larger than you may think, so take advantage of the 0.5x wide-angle lens setting on your phone! This will capture the entire balloon on the ground, as well as the 360-degree views while in the air.
Camera and phone straps are recommended for an extra layer of protection, but they’re not required. If you’d rather experience the adventure tech-free, don’t worry! We have a professional photographer on our crew who will snap pictures of you and your party.
Safety Measures and Pilot Expertise
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures was started by Mike Marchand in 1986. His son, Austin, has been part of the crew his entire life and earned his pilot’s license at just 17 years old.
Mike has since retired, passing the business down to Austin, who has over 1,200 hours of flying experience in Pagosa Springs. “I take pride in the fact that we’re a family-owned business. My dad worked very hard to start this, and I’m proud to continue that legacy,” says Austin.
Austin has flown all over the world, including at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, León, Mexico, and Bischofszell, Switzerland.
RMBA’s next pilot, Sean Penton, has been with us for over six years, flying both group and private rides. Both pilots are locals who take pride in our mountain community and carry commercial pilot licenses.
Our pilots adhere to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and pass annual flight medical exams. Each balloon is inspected annually by a certified inspector in compliance with FAA standards. Safety is always our top priority.