Choosing A Balloon Ride Colorado

By Sally Delacruz


There are many land marks and national monuments and parks to be seen and explored when traveling in the North Western states in America. This area contains a number of locations that hold special sites and activities available for the public to enjoy. A very popular and widely available activity is a balloon ride Colorado.

Ballooning is a seasonal activity that can be accessed between the months of May and October. Rides are available seven days a week during these months and generally take place in the early mornings. They are restricted to mornings because of high winds that develop in the afternoons. Early starts offer a two or three hour window when the winds are below five miles an hour and the sky and weather is clear.

This is something that virtually anybody can participate in. There are few restrictions applied to customers prior to booking a flight. You must be capable of climbing into the basket beneath the balloons, you must be over five years and under eighty years old, you may not be pregnant and should not suffer from chronic breathing issues or be dependent upon oxygen tanks.

All pilots who fly the balloons have years of experience flying and training others. The entire business is regulated by the FAA and the balloons and baskets as well as the mechanics of the ride are inspected regularly. Safety is one of the highest priorities for the owners of rides.

You will be aloft for up to an hour when you take off. There is rarely any sign of motion sickness and any fear of heights appears to be alleviated by being in a basket. You may be allowed to watch while they inflate the balloons if you arrive earlier than scheduled. You should land approximately ten miles from the spot you took off from. Wind speed can cause a variance in distance.

Most companies offer either a champagne toast, with the client receiving the fluted glass as a souvenir or a champagne breakfast at the end of their ride. One company provides a commemorative bottle of champagne for each client to take home. The breakfast may include guests who have not been up in the air for an extra fee.

The passenger baskets come in a variety of sizes and the larger ones can hold up to twelve passengers. There are smaller baskets that are designed for smaller groups of two to four. The larger baskets feature compartments that allow the guests a small amount of individual privacy during the flight. The baskets generally make two flights a day and the day is complete no later than noon.

Hot air balloons can provide you with an experience you may never forget. Untethered flight in the silence and tranquility of morning while absorbing the beauty of the country side and natural wildlife cannot be described by many who have enjoyed this event.




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