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About Balloon Nevada (how it is)...
Simply put, Balloon Nevada is here as a way for us to share the true experience and beauty of ballooning with a few others, the way we believe it was meant to be experienced.
Ballooning has been a passion of mine since the mid 1970's. I learned to fly balloons in Albuquerque, New Mexico - the "Balloon Capital of the World." During "those days" in Albuquerque, hot air ballooning was becoming quite a popular sport. On any given weekend, there may have been up to fifty balloons flying. We were carpenters, office workers, police officers, doctors and nurses. We weren't making money ballooning, in fact, that was the last thing on our minds! We flew because we LOVED TO FLY, we enjoyed sharing the experience with friends and family, and enjoyed the camaraderie that followed each flight.
Since the 70's, I've accumulated quite a few flying hours in 40+ states, 100+ cities, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, France and Holland. I've flown through canyons and over a few mountains. I've flown some of the biggest balloons made, and some of the smallest. I've also flown three different watches, a beer bottle, a couple Pepsi cans, coffee cans, a golf ball, and an elephant. And yes, the elephant was pink!
To our passengers, our passion is evident. You'll see it in our well maintained
equipment, you'll see it in our eyes, and you'll hear it in our voices. You
won't see us hurry you off after a flight to reduce the payroll. We believe
you're here to have a good time and a memorable experience. So are we!
-- Whit Landvater/Pilot
Come share the passion with us, and bring an attitude for altitude!
Where we do what we do:
We fly in the Carson Valley which consists of the towns of Minden, Gardnerville, and Genoa. The Carson Valley is located 13 miles east of south Lake Tahoe, 40 miles south of Reno, and 13 miles south of Carson City. If there is such a thing as the perfect place to fly balloons, the Carson Valley might just be it! Wide open areas, clean crisp air, beautiful scenery and great weather conditions/climate provides us gentle, picturesque flights year round.
Being just a few miles east of Lake Tahoe, we're offered the best views of Lake Tahoe as the early morning sun illuminates it, much better than being on the lake itself. Being 40 miles south of Reno, this rural Nevada community is far enough away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough for an easy commute. Nevada is full of beauty, and rural Nevadans know that better than anyone! Unfortunately, the typical balloon ride operator doesn't want anything to do with rural Nevada because all they're interested in is their profit margin. Our priority is sharing this beauty and unique experience, not getting rich, just ask our accountant!
If you want to fly in Las Vegas, please don't call us... that's 400+ miles away. [ HERE'S OUR MAP ]
When we do what we do:
Our balloon flights take place daily, just after sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour, and afterwards we'll celebrate with a champagne toast. Like the space shuttle, ALL of our flights are weather dependent for your (and our) safety. High winds, rain / snow and low visibility are the main culprits for canceling flights. There is NEVER any charge to you for weather cancellations, and no obligation to reschedule. We really don't want your money until we've earned it. Please see our FLIGHT INFORMATION page for details.
Our balloon comfortably carries and is insured for the pilot and no more than three passengers*. Weight restrictions apply. Please take a look at our BALLOON RIDE POLICIES page for all the "fine print."
* Evening flights are not an option between March and November. The total weight of the party being flown must be declared at the time of booking, and is an important part of our pre-flight planning.
Email us or call 775-790-7572 if we haven't answered your questions on this site.
