It is hard to imagine that Aspen could be any more beautiful; but every year, just as the leaves are aflame in fall color, Snowmass is transformed into something almost too beautiful to be imagined. For a few short days, the Snowmass Balloon Fest lights on the valley and bejewels the valley with countless brightly colored hot air balloons for the highest-altitude balloon festival in the country.
Really, there is no question why so many people plan their getaway weekend around the balloon fest. To say the event is spectacular is an understatement. This year marks the 40th year of the Balloon Festival which is to be held September 18-20, 2015, and it is scheduled to be more stunning, memorable, and fun than ever.
From the early morning, when the behemoth balloons lay in the morning dew amid the distinct sound of their inflation, to the very last moment of the event, every element of the Fest feeds the imagination in a way unlike anything else could.
This Year
Just having so many hot air balloons in one place is spectacular enough, and reason enough to attend. There is, however, much, much more. The festival includes events where 30 pilots compete in exciting challenges such as the distance race that covers the Roaring Fork Valley called the Carter Memorial Colorado Rat Race, which fills the valley with brilliant color. There is also an accuracy competition where pilots try to land as closely to their mark as possible, and a Balloon Dance event that can only be described as Magical.
Attendees of the event have all of their senses elevated with incredible award winning cuisine, fabulous wines, great local music, and a sophisticated glow show. After the competitions, the brave can ascend above the valley for a spectacular ride, and an opportunity to see the Snowmass valley in a way few have had the privilege of doing. The Snowmass Balloon Fest includes something for everyone, including a number of free spectator events, children’s entertainment, and fabulous local vendors.
Why do we at Limelight love the soul-soaring and photography worth Balloon Fest so much? Hot air balloons represent all that we find fanciful and daring, and embody all of our aspirations. The Snowmass Balloon Fest comes once a year and reminds us that everything good, everything beautiful, all of our hopes and dreams, is all attainable. For three days it tantalizes the senses and reminds us to keep reaching higher.
Interested in attending? The Limelight may still have availability. Guests are gifted with free transportation, breakfast, and luxurious amenities to make this weekend drift-worthy.
