The Best Way to See Winter Park: Hot Air Balloon
Have you ever been on a hot air balloon ride? If you have, you know that it’s an experience like no other. Winter Park and the surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but most people stick to the same way of seeing it.
Why You Should Ride a Hot Air Balloon?
Sure you you’ve been skiing or hiking in Winter Park, but don’t you always get the same sort of views? The landscape is pretty, but it all starts to look the same. Just think about how much better it gets once you’re up on the ski lift. That’s nothing compared to what a hot air balloon will show you. You’ll truly get to see the land as a bird does, and it’s not the same in a plane or helicopter. There’s nothing to block your view, and it has 360 degrees of amazing panoramas. You blend in with nature and have a peaceful, beautiful experience. Finally, most hot air balloon rides involve glasses of champagne at some point, so you always have that to look forward to!
What Will You See?
At lower elevations, you can see detailed bits of the landscape and close views of wildlife. You won’t bother the animals from the air, but you can get closer than you would on foot. And, you’ll see all of your favorite features of the landscape from a completely different angle. It’s really hard to believe how much different one of the lakes looks from above until you actually see it.
At higher levels, you’re going to be able to see the whole valley and the tops of the surrounding peaks. This makes you feel dwarfed by the natural beauty, and it truly lets you see how massive the area is.
What a Ride Is Like
Hot air balloon rides always start in early morning when world is calm and peaceful. You’ll show up and see the balloon getting inflated, and the pilot will make sure that everyone knows all the safety procedures and is ready to follow them. Once you’re in the balloon and it takes off, you’ll realize that you can’t really feel it lifting up or setting down. So it gives the impression that you’re sitting still, but you do see the scenery changing. It’s very peaceful and quiet, unless you have a noisy person in your group! The only real sounds are occasional bursts from the burners.
Is It Safe?
Yes. We can’t recommend sewing together your own balloon and trying to float away with the breeze, but it’s very safe if you go with a company that has experienced pilots knowledgeable about the appropriate safety procedures.
Special Occasions Deserving a Ride
Whether or not you have any hesitation about flying, hot air balloon rides are a great way to make important occasions more memorable. For example, many people like to incorporate them into their weddings. Or, if you’re already married and missed that chance, what about an anniversary ride? They’re also a great way to celebrate a graduation or start a new year of life on a birthday.
Giving a Gift
It’s also a great gift idea to give to someone. Some people “have everything,” but do they have their own hot air balloon? Extravagant and slightly intimidating experiences like this tend to find people making excuse after excuse about why they can’t do it. But, look at all these reasons why they should! Think of all those situations in the previous section where a balloon ride fits perfectly. And, if you live in the area, this is the experience that your visitors will be telling their friends about for years after they return home.
Getting Over Fear of Heights
Just because you’re afraid of heights doesn’t mean it’s not an idea for you. There are many tips to help with riding in a balloon. First, remember that you won’t really feel the balloon moving, and it happens very slowly. Also, hot air balloons are actually one of the safest forms of air travel. They generally just go where the wind takes them, but that’s why they fly in the early mornings and pilots won’t take off in bad weather.
But, if anything goes wrong with the burner, the whole balloon slowly and peacefully sinks back to the ground. Overall, many people who are afraid of heights feel relaxed because of how peaceful it is, and some pilots even confess to having this common phobia. Plus, once you’re back on the ground, you’ll probably be much less afraid of any other high situations.’
Will You Try It?
Flying in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to really see Winter Park. Will you try it?
