What inspired the creation of Wild West Balloon Adventures and how did it take flight in Colorado?

Both my husband and I are long time locals of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and we were drawn to the allure of ballooning and all that it represents. Bud started crewing for Wild West in ’07, became a balloon pilot by ‘09 and we purchased the company together in 2018. We both had great jobs before ballooning, but were passionate about spending more time outside doing something we loved and figuring out how to make it work for us for the long-term. Wild West Balloon Adventures was started in 1999 by local Ian Cox, who became Bud’s mentor and flight instructor. We were ready to start a family and the same month that we were pregnant with our first daughter was the month we bought the company. It made for quite an amazing year.

Steamboat Springs offers a very unique ballooning environment. We get to float above a lush green valley surrounded by mountains, yet we’re rural enough to have a few good landing spots nearby. Although our town is getting busier, we love how wild and rural Steamboat remains, while still offering a rich community and culture.

What does WILD mean to you when you’re floating above the mountains?

The concept of owning a hot air balloon company as our family’s business is definitely unique and far beyond the boundaries of a typical job. It takes an amazing amount of courage, trust and focus to navigate to our specific landing spots. The way Bud is able to use the winds to steer the balloon is incredible. Our town has seen a huge amount of growth over the last 10 years and it is so refreshing to be able to get above it all and look at the massive expanse of wilderness surrounding us. I am always amazed when I look out and see the abundance of nature and reminded how small we are. When I think of something wild I think of a deep connection with nature and acting through instincts while staying true to the larger community, which is the essence of how we balloon.

How do your hot air balloon rides offer a new perspective on wellness, adventure or connection to nature?

Flying through the skies in a hot air balloon is a deep representation of so many life lessons. We have to use and work with the winds and mountains to guide us each morning, instead of conquering the natural forces. We have to be aware of every cloud that might pass in front of the sun and weather patterns as far away as Wyoming. Bud has extensive experience with the morning winds and weather and is very in touch with weather and how it will affect our winds. The set-up of the balloon is very exciting, and it takes loud gas-powered fans and lots of heat from the flames to get off the ground. Once we reach that moment of lift and the balloon takes off, the silence is incredible! It is this peaceful, slow drifting that affords us and our passengers a very personal experience with the valley below. We have seen some incredible wild life. Everything from bears, moose and elk swimming in the river, hawks playing in the warm air above the balloon from our vents, and even osprey diving and catching fish in the river. If the winds and direction line up, we like to float down to the water and touch down in the river, which is incredible!  I feel like the whole experience allows someone to slow down, reconnect with themselves, nature and revel in the wonder and simplicity of such an adventure.

What’s next for Wild West Balloons as you continue to inspire awe from above?

Bud has been piloting for the last 14 years and our solo pilot since we bought the company. I recently got my private pilot license and am working toward my commercial license! The training has been exciting, intense and fun. I’m excited for the flexibility of having a second balloon so that we can be part of community events and fundraisers and maybe some more adventurous flights like flying over the Continental Divide.

wildwestballooning.com

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