If you’ve ever dreamed about ascending high into the sky above miles and miles of mountains and valleys below as the sun rises peacefully over the horizon with nothing between you and the sky then a hot air balloon adventure may be the perfect adventure for you. Park City, Utah is a popular vacation destination both in the summer and winter months due largely in part to their abundant outdoor activities and as such, the city is also the home to several hot air balloon companies that operate year round to provide thousands of guests with the chance to soar above the clouds.
Hot air balloon rides provide the perfect opportunity for families to experience something truly memorable together that none will soon forget. Cameras and video cameras are encouraged to help the memories last by taking pictures of the trip from upwards of 6,500 feet in the air. Balloon rides are also the perfect solution to a romantic proposal or a memorable anniversary adventure. Both private and group trips are options though private trips cost more per person though they allow for a more secluded, romantic experience. Many corporations use hot air balloon trips as an incentive for hard working employees or as a team building experience.
Those who are planning their balloon trip will want to be sure to dress appropriately which usually just means closed toe shoes and layers. It’s not as windy and cold as some people might suspect, in fact, the only wind is generally nothing more than a light breeze as the balloon switches directions or moves up or down. A light jacket is always a good idea though in the winter a full jacket is best. Anyone in reasonably good health is able to travel in a hot air balloon though pregnant women should probably abstain.
Park City has several companies that offer hot air balloon rides including PC (Park City) Balloon Adventures and Sky Walker Balloon Company to name a few. Both offer private balloon rides as well as group trips and both charge $225 per person (private rides cost more per person).
Though it may depend on the hot air balloon company itself, more often than not guests are welcome to assist with the inflating of the balloon that they’ll soon be traveling inside. The pilot and crew will assist in prepping the balloon for takeoff. All of the pilots are fully certified and experienced, many with decades of hot air balloon piloting under their belt.
About Jim Bizily
I am an outdoor enthusiast, parent of two awesome boys, and Property Manager in beautiful Park City, Utah. After years in engineering and entrepreneurial projects, I decided to move to Park City Utah to start a business managing lodging and vacation rentals.