If you’ve ever wanted to see tons of hot air balloons fly in the sky, you’ll want to check out the Snowmass hot air balloon festival! This year for the festivities, spectators can drive, hike, bike, and walk to several different locations for a panoramic viewing experience.
Watch the massive balloons take flight during this free public event that’s bound to delight any age. If you’re not sure where to go to get the best view, you’ll find out soon enough. Check out more details about the festival, where to eat, and some Snowmass lodging options for when you attend this incredible event.
What is the Snowmass Balloon Festival?
Let’s take a quick step back to learn more about this festival that takes place in Snowmass Town Park. Celebrating its 48th year, the Snowmass Balloon Festival returns to Snowmass Village. Get ready for this three-day Rocky Mountain tradition of launching more than 30 hot air balloons during sunrise.
There’s no fall tradition like it, so come kick off the crisp weather and changing foliage with hot air balloons exploring the skies above!
How Can I View the Launches?
You can view the Snowmass hot air balloon festival in several locations to find the best spot for your preference! For an up-close and personal view of the balloons being loaded, inflated, and taking flight from your vehicle, you’ll want to park at Town Park Station and the Rodeo Lot.
The launch field is located next to Black Saddle, which will be open to the public for a better view of the balloon launch. As you wait for the balloons to hit the sky, grab a bite to eat at any of the food trucks that have breakfast items and plenty of coffee to go around! Get excited with the live music performances as you enjoy your breakfast and anticipate the hot air balloons.
If you want to hike and bike to see the balloons, here’s the complete guide to the incredible Snowmass trails you need to check out. For the best hiking options, go to Brush Creek Bike Path/Trail to experience a beautiful nature walk before the balloons take off.
This bike-friendly trail runs along Brush Creek Road and Sky Mountain Park into the Rodeo Lot. From the lot, you have more hiking options suitable for all ages! Get in your morning cardio and get a bird’s eye view of the balloon field at Seven Star and North Rim.
These trails are also accessible by mountain bikes, and uphill traffic has the right-of-way, so please be mindful of where you’re walking. If you go across Owl Creek, you’ll be in Sky Mountain Park and find the Lowline trail with a short but elevated view of Town Park Station.
If you go to the East Brush Creek Nature Trail, you’ll find a short trail that’s excellent for younger people and novice hikers. This beautiful trail runs along the Snowmass Golf Course that’s a fantastic spot for families and leashed dogs.
For other mountain biking trails, Brush Creek Park and Ride is a jump-off point if you want to ride to Sky Mountain Park and the West Sky Mountain Park Loop.
Plan Your Snowmass Vacation
Whether you’re planning to attend the balloon festival or not, browse our entire portfolio to find the perfect Snowmass rental for your stay!
Take Your Own Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the skies in a hot air balloon, now’s your chance! At the Snowmass Balloon Festival, you can climb aboard with an FAA-licensed commercial hot-air balloon pilot for an unforgettable experience.
Soar over the valley and view the mountain peaks from a bird’s eye view! The festival features the highest altitude balloon event nationwide, so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of it. Early morning sunrise rides take you up nearly 2,500 feet in altitude over the gorgeous Snowmass landscape. Get the most majestic, incredible views over Mount Daly, Capitol Peak, and the Elk Mountains.
After the flight, visitors touch the ground where everyone has a champagne brunch to celebrate. Snowmass hot air balloon flights are a favorite activity among visitors, with some facing their fears of heights and having an amazing experience.
There are also Snowmass hot air balloon flights offered year-round in the Aspen and Snowmass area. So, if you missed your chance during the festival, you’re in luck! You can fly above the Rockies for a one-hour flight and drift down to Snowmass Brush Creek Valley.
The balloon pilots have control but prefer to let Mother Nature decide the main path to follow. But wherever you end up landing, you’ll also receive a champagne brunch on the ground. You’ll have about three hours to enjoy your meal until it’s time to return to the launch site.
Stay with Woodrun V
For the best Snowmass rentals available, book a stay with us at Woodrun V! We offer several concierge services to ensure the best stay possible during your time at Snowmass. If you need transportation, dining reservations, or activities, our friendly team is happy to help and explain a bit more about Woodrun V.
Our Snowmass rentals are nestled in the heart of the Village, where you’ll find our most popular attractions. Stay cozy in our luxurious rentals with a wide range of amenities including outdoor heated pools and hot tubs! When you want to explore the area, we offer a complimentary shuttle service to local restaurants, shopping centers, and the Recreation Center.
Get ready to plan your vacation and catch the majestic hot air balloon festival! Call us today to book your stay.
