Hot Air Ballooning in New York State

If you're ready for a little adventure, why not try hot air ballooning? When setting up a time for your flight, keep in mind that the optimal times of day are dawn, and two to three hours prior to sunset. This is because the winds are often light at these times, and it's easier for the pilot (and balloon) to avoid thermals, which are air currents caused by the heating of the Earth.

Most balloon companies will take you anywhere from treetop level to over 3,000 feet. (The record for any hot air balloon was nearly 70,000 feet by Vijaypat Singhania on November 26, 2005). Rides last roughly one hour, depending on the time of day, but remember, there is a lot of prep time so you will be on this excursion for some time (up to 4 hours with everything includes, pre-flight checks and landings).

One of the best and most unexpected aspects of ballooning is that the basket does not move while you are in flight. Since it floats along the air current (wind) itself, there is no jarring of the basket like one might expect.

Usually, you'll be accompanied by up to ten other enthusiasts. They might be strangers at the beginning of the flight, but by the end, after experiencing the thrill of ballooning, the strangers are likely to be friends.

Flights cost approximately between $150 and $250.

The following is a list of Hot Air Balloon companies located in New York state, all eager to take you high into the sky!

"Once in the air you will drift over the beautiful Hudson Valley landscape and on a clear day you can even pick out the beautiful New York City skyline..."
from the http://www.xperiencedays.com website.

"Premier Hot Air Balloon Rides over New York featuring Letchworth Park, the scenic Finger Lakes Region of Western NY, or even your own back yard...." from the http://www.libertyballoon.com/ website.

"Featuring NY Hot Air Balloon Rides by Adirondack Balloon Flights of Glens Falls NY..." from the http://www.adkballoonflights.com/ website.

"Provides hot air balloon rides (April through October) within Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East..." from the http://www.balloonsoverletchworth.com/ website.

"The goal of the festival is to provide entertainment and enjoyment to our spectators, bring visitors to our community, and share our profits with local charities. Over the years an average of 35,000 spectators per year visit our valley to enjoy the festival..." from the New York State Festival of Balloons website, ttp://www.nysfob.com/.

"We often fly from the northern tip of Conesus Lake (a half-hour drive from Marketplace Mall), Canandaigua, at the Amazing Maize Maze in Gananda, or near Lollypop Farm by Woodcliff in Victor," from http://www.highhopesballoon.com/ website.

"Above the Clouds offers hot air balloon rides in the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley of Southern New York. Just an hour from New York City..." from the http://www.abovethecloudsinc.com/ website.

"Fantasy Balloon Flights, Inc. offers professional hot air balloon rides over the scenic Lower Hudson Valley of New York, the Lower Catskills of New York and best of all, ballooning in Orange County New York offers beautiful views of the entire Hudson Valley Region," from http://www.fantasyfliers.com/.

"Enchanted Balloon Rides is a hot air balloon ride company who provides hot air balloon rides high over New York's (NY) lower Hudson Valley. During the balloon ride, you will take in breathtaking and panoramic views. Your balloon flight may take you to heights of 3000 feet or more as you soar over the New York (NY) landscape..." as stated on http://www.balloon-rides-ny.com/.