Hot Air Balloons and Albuquerque

Your hot air balloon Albuquerque experience will be matchless and memorable. Hot air ballooning is like no other sport and is often a unique blend of exhilaration and peacefulness. To ensure your comfort during the ride, wear close-toed shoes. The ground in New Mexico is often rough or covered with sharp plants, so appropriate shoes are a must. You might also want to bring a light jacket with you. The air does warm up a couple of degrees once you get in the air. A jacket is easy to put on or take off to make the temperature adjustments that are best for you. Click here to get more information and to schedule a ride.

The International Balloon Fiesta

The city of Albuquerque hosts the largest balloon event anywhere. With beautiful flying conditions, the area is home to several hundred pilots.Hot air balloon enthusiasts come from all over the world to participate in the nine day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you choose to participate in this event, you can enjoy a number of different activities on the ground as well as in the air.

From the mass ascension first thing in the morning to the sight of the beautiful glowing bulbs lighting up the evening, there are plenty of wonderful activities to fill your days. Enjoy the precision flying events, balloon races, concerts given by local bands and association with people who love hot air balloons. Your own flight during this spectacular event promises to be exciting, whether you take your whole family or just one special person.

The Best Vantage of the Festival

Choose a flight that launches away from the festival site for the best view of those brilliantly designed and brightly lit balloons. You’ll also be able to view the scenery of this beautiful state. Depending on the time of day that you take the flight, you’ll be able to see the Albuquerque skyline with a beautiful sunrise behind the city or the glowing lights that outline the early evening silhouette. Enjoy the view of homes nestled on red rock plateaus or glimpse some of the historic scenery that is unique to New Mexico. Witness an unparalleled view of the state from a vantage that few people get to enjoy.

Coping With the Fear of Heights

Some people shy away from the hot air balloon Albuquerque experience because of fear or misconceptions. However, many people who are afraid of heights have found that the experience of riding in a balloon is much different than standing at the edge of a cliff or near a high window. You may find that your level of unease dissipates as you rise into the air.

Safety Standards for Your Hot Air Balloon Albuquerque Experience

If you still have reservations, it might help you to know that hot air balloon ride companies must have an F.A.A. certified commercial pilot in order to offer rides. You should also be reassured to know that balloons must be inspected every 100 hours or annually, whichever comes first. This inspection demands the same level of safety and maintenance standards to which new aircraft are held. If you compare your hot air balloon ride to the trip you took in your car to the launch site, the balloon ride was probably safer. Just use common sense and listen to the pilot and your ride should be enjoyable.

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader for.When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, real estate, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.