Seattle to Mount Rainier As a seasoned hot air balloon pilot with countless flights over the majestic landscape of Washington State, I find that many of my passengers are captivated by Mount Rainier’s singular beauty. Often, they ask for advice on the best ways to experience this iconic peak. Whether you’re looking to tread its vast trails or want to capture Mount Rainier’s grandeur from afar, I have curated insights from both the skies and the ground to guide your journey. Looking for other things to do in Seattle? Here you can find our Balloonists guide to touring Seattle. Choosing Your Moun ..read more

Can You Steer A Hot Air Balloon? Yes you can steer a hot air balloon! Hot air balloons don’t have steering wheels, but hot air balloon pilots use the wind direction and speed at different heights in order to steer the balloon. Hot air balloon pilots control their ascent and descent but can’t steer the balloon in a different direction without changing altitude. How Do Hot Air Balloon Control Their Altitude? It’s pretty simple: Use the burner to go up and let the balloon cool to descend. Heating The Air To gain altitude or rise, balloon pilots introduce heat into the balloon’s envelope by firin ..read more

A Guide To Buying A Hot Air Balloon: New and Used Hot Air Balloons For Sale Buy a hot air balloon The dream of soaring through the skies in a hot air balloon captivates many, but transitioning from dream to reality requires a significant decision: choosing the right balloon. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or planning a commercial hot air balloon ride venture, understanding the nuances of buying a new or used hot air balloon is crucial. This guide aims to navigate you through this exhilarating process. To get started, you’ll need to make the investment in a balloon and a vehicle for your g ..read more

The Gordon Bennett Balloon Race: A Legacy of Adventure, Fame, and Endurance The Gordon Bennett Balloon Race, conceived by the adventurous Gordon Bennett, owner of the New York Herald, in 1906, stands as a monumental chapter in the annals of aviation. This race wasn’t just about flying; it was about pushing the limits of endurance and strategy in the sky. The Objective Of The Balloon Race The primary goal of the Gordon Bennett race was breathtakingly straightforward yet challenging: to fly a lighter than air aircraft the longest distance from the launch point. The intrigue lay in the fact that ..read more

The Winthrop Washington Balloon Festival March 1st – 3rd, 2024 Winthrop Balloon Festival The Winthrop Washington Balloon Festival or otherwise known as The Balloon Roundup is sure to be a blast for anyone who loves the snow and hot air balloons. If you’re looking to get away for a romantic weekend and some winter fun in a small town, this event is not to be missed. Winthrop attracts two dozen balloonists from all over Washington, Oregon, and Idaho from March 1st through March 3rd, 2024, for a hot air balloon festival in the snow! It’s hard to imagine a better time of year to visit Winthrop! Bo ..read more

Elevate Your Productions: Hot Air Balloon Rentals for TV & Film When it comes to adding a touch of airborne wonder to your TV or film production, there’s only one name that rises above the rest: Seattle Ballooning. As the premier choice in the United States for hot air balloon rentals in the TV and film industry, we’ve seamlessly blended the magic of ballooning with the cinematic world, turning ordinary shots into breathtaking visuals. Dive in to discover how we can elevate your next production to unparalleled heights!  Why Choose Real Hot Air Balloons vs CG? The magic of hot air ball ..read more

Prosser Balloon Festival: Join 20+ Hot Air Balloon Pilots As They Launch At Sunrise Each Morning from the Prosser Airport Only 3 Days! Sep 27-29, 2024! Prosser hot air balloon festival Gather around, adventurers and dreamers, for an ethereal journey awaits at the Prosser Balloon Festival! From September 27th to 29th, 2024, become part of a whimsical adventure that takes flight above world-renowned orchards, luscious vineyards and through Washington’s most enchanting skies. Whether you watch the hot air balloons or book a ride to fly in one, you’ll have an amazing experience at this hot air bal ..read more

Why the Muckleshoot Casino and Resort is THE Place to Stay for Your Seattle Ballooning Adventure! Whether you’ve already booked your balloon flight or are considering experiencing the unparalleled magic of a hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning, you’ll need a place to stay! The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe recently opened its state-of-the-art hotel! Not only do you get the breathtaking experience of soaring above the clouds in a balloon with the majestic Mt. Rainier as your backdrop, but you’ll have the perfect place to stay before and after your flight. Say hello to the Muckleshoot Casino ..read more

LIGHT UP THE SKIES OF WALLA WALLA! Are you a fan of mesmerizing views and colorful hot air balloons? Then this is the event you’ve been waiting for! Seattle Ballooning, in collaboration with Yellowhawk Winery, is thrilled to announce an unforgettable evening of hot air balloons glowing. The best part? All proceeds from ticket sales will be generously donated to The Star Project, a remarkable local non-profit organization. GET YOUR BALLOON GLOW PASS HERE Mark Your Calendars And Grab Your Picnic Baskets! On Thursday, September 28 2023, join us at the scenic Yellowhawk Winery. Gates will open ..read more

We Have A New National Hot Air Ballooning Champion! (For interviews please contact Eliav@seattleballooning.com and we will connect you with Amanda) There are those moments in time that crystallize into pure joy, genuine surprise, and elated celebration, and for Seattle Ballooning’s commercial hot air balloon pilot, Amanda Brodbeck, such a moment arrived when she soared to victory in the Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship. Based in Seattle, Washington, Amanda skillfully flies hot air balloons for Seattle Ballooning, offering exhilarating rides against the stunning backdrop of the ico ..read more