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Hot Air Balloon Rides in Albuquerque, NM

Apex Balloons is one of the most personal, dynamic, exciting and experienced hot air balloon companies in the country. We have been providing safe, enjoyable hot air balloon flights in the Northeastern US and other regions of the country for over a decade. We've expanded our business to offer hot air balloon flights in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the same commitment to service that our guests have come to expect. We schedule and fly hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque seven days a week during October, with balloon flights launching daily at sunrise, weather permitting.

We are not a large company - in fact, we are entirely owner/pilot operated - and we firmly believe that allows us to offer a much more personal experience over the "big box" balloon companies out there that handle many dozens of passengers daily. We prefer to operate on a much smaller scale, which allows us to offer the most personalized and unique hot air balloon ride experience possible. Despite our small size, we are an established balloon company with many years of experience. Thousands of smiling faces have joined us in flight for an unforgettable experience that can hardly be surpassed. Check out what our past guests have said about their flights!

Owner and chief pilot Jon Radowski is proud of our absolutely immaculate safety record throughout our history in ballooning, and strives to make your flight as enjoyable and memorable as possible. When you call to ask questions or schedule your flight, you'll talk directly to Jon, not a secretary or answering service who knows nothing about the realities of balloon flight. Click here to read why else we firmly believe our balloon flights and service are the best available.

Hot Air Balloon Rides during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®

Hot air balloon flights are available during the time of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta^® (October 2-10, 2010). As with all hot air balloon companies in Albuquerque other than the official Fiesta balloon ride concessionaire, we are not participants in the event. As such, our flights must remain outside of a 4-mile radius of controlled airspace surrounding Balloon Fiesta Park during this time. This may sound like we're excluded from the big party, but it's a blessing in disguise for a number of reasons we've always been excited to let you know about:

• Our balloon rides take advantage of a much better flying area which offers a better flight experience
• We have a magnificent overview of all the Fiesta balloons, rather than being lost in the crowd and commotion
• We offer a significantly less expensive flight fare
• We've got very little spectator traffic to deal with

Our regular flying area on the west side of the Rio Grande offers a much greater range of scenery and landing opportunities than flights departing from Balloon Fiesta Park. Would you want to fly over the city of Albuquerque with all its' powerlines, buildings and congestion, or would you rather fly over the beautiful desert and open spaces to the west? Our own preference is clear - and our passengers agree that our flying location offers a much better (and often longer) flight.

Although four miles away from the Balloon Fiesta, we will still have a truly breathtaking view of all 600 other balloons lifting off silhouetted against the stunning Sandia Mountains. In addition, we find ourselves in the midst of our own separate hot air balloon festival, as we are typically flying among 20 or more other balloons from common launch sites alongside us. There's an abundance of amazing sights to see on our hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque during Balloon Fiesta time.

We are able to charge significantly less than the expensive flights offered from Fiesta Park (compare our rates to the $375 per person you'll pay there), and there's considerably less spectator traffic to deal with. Come out to the west side and enjoy a spectacular hot air balloon flight without having to deal with the early-morning Fiesta traffic jams!

Take a break and suspend reality...

When you're engrossed in a good work of art, a phenomenon called "suspension of disbelief" often takes over, allowing the viewer to accept certain fantastic elements in the name of entertainment. A similar occurrence tends to happen while ballooning: "Suspension of Reality." Aboard a hot air balloon in flight, the real world seems to pause, and a dreamlike sort of fantasy dimension springs to life. Problems and worries melt away, and nothing much really seems to matter as you take on a new way of seeing the world from your vantage point high in the sky. There's no way to accurately describe the feeling of a hot air balloon flight other than to say it's nothing like you'd expect. There's no motion, no sense of height, no fear involved. The only way to truly understand this remarkable feeling of freedom is to experience it.

Following the traditions of the early ballooning aeronauts, we will embark on a serene journey highlighted by moments of excitement and surprise. As our guests of honor, your flight is guaranteed to be memorable, breathtaking and above all else, safe.

We begin by unfurling the hot air balloon's seemingly delicate ripstop nylon envelope and attaching it to the basket. You are welcome to join our ground crew if you'd like the unique experience of assisting with setup and inflation of the balloon, or you may choose to oversee or snap photos from a less-involved position. A powerful fan is used to introduce air into the ten-story envelope, and it billows with color, quickly multiplying in size in the crisp morning air. Soon enough the burner is turned on, breathing life into the now fully-inflated balloon as it stands vertical and begins to tug skyward. You then step aboard, and before you realize it, the balloon is airborne without even a jostle. Your magical journey begins!

Imagine that you are floating weightless like a cloud high in the sky, drifting peacefully with the breeze. The vast panorama below you stretches endlessly from horizon to horizon, a sight unparalleled by any other in this world. The next minute you are skimming low over the tops of trees, leaves brushing past as you view another rarely-seen perspective of the magnificent earth. Awestruck humans and wildlife below look up in wonder at your beautiful and mysterious chariot of the sky. Dipping your toes into the magnificent Rio Grande, you experience the divine sensation of walking on water. This effortless state of flight is some of what you’ll experience on a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque with Apex Balloons!

Flight time can range from 45 to 90 minutes, with most flights averaging about an hour in the air. The entire experience will span two to three hours from the meeting time. At the conclusion of our wonderful adventure, we will return to the launch site and indulge in a traditional champagne celebration to toast our successful flight. Each group of passengers leaves as new friends rather than just customers. See what others are saying about their flights on the feedback page!

What's So Special About Apex Balloons?

We live for this. In short, ballooning is our life, our full-time occupation, and reason for existing. Experience counts for everything in ballooning, and our pilots come with all the highest qualifications and a minimum of a decade of flight experience each. We take pride in our perfect safety record and state-of-the-art equipment. Everything we do is in the interest of our guests' safety and enjoyment. It's more than a job - it's a lifelong devotion to sharing the wondrous beauty that is what hot air ballooning is all about.

We are fully insured by an A+ rated hot air balloon insurance carrier, and all our pilots attend (and often present at) industry safety seminars to fulfill personal and professional continuing education goals. Our hot air balloons are checked each time they fly, are maintained regularly, inspected and overhauled yearly, and comply with all FAA regulations pertaining to standard passenger-carrying aircraft. However, that's the bare minimum that is to be expected of all hot air balloon companies.

So, how are we any different? Why choose us? There are a number of reputable balloon companies in Albuquerque. We're all pretty friendly. Some have been in business for much longer than we've been offering flights in the Land of Enchantment. You'll find that a few even charge less than we do! Ballooning in New Mexico is so enjoyable that you will likely have a good time no matter who you choose to fly with, but we truly believe our balloon flights are the best and safest that can be experienced. We offer what we consider the most fulfilling and fun hot air balloon flight possible at a reasonable price (our rates are at the bottom of this page). If you're shopping around based on price, you'll certainly be liable to find a cheap hot air balloon ride elsewhere... We wish you the best of luck. Just remember, that old adage holds true no matter the subject: "You get what you pay for!"

Be forewarned - not all experiences are created equal. Over the years, we've taken notice of the habits that some of the "other guys" have developed. Some companies tend to land precisely at the 30-minute mark each time (the minimum guaranteed for their flights). Some stay at less than 500 feet the entire flight, with a perspective that hardly changes - just so their fuel bill stays low.

We try to fly higher, longer, and with a more varied array of unique flight experiences than some other companies out there might care to provide. We'll fly as high as possible on all flights to give a grand panorama of the entire Rio Grande valley. The elusive "splash & dash?" We'll go for it whenever possible, and your feet will actually stay dry as we skim gently along the water's surface! We'll always try to fly as long as conditions safely permit - and not just calling it a day when your allotted time is up. All the little touches that we try to add to each and every flight are what makes it positively fun and special for you as well as us. If it weren't fun for everyone involved, we'd be in a different business.

On top of what we offer in the air, we're all genuinely down-to-earth fun people, which makes it easy for you to have a great time with us. We've never had anyone leave who wasn't smiling - and that includes pilots, crew, as well as passengers! It might sound a little corny, but we'll go above & beyond to make your flight absolutely perfect in every way. The bottom line is that a hot air balloon flight is an adventure most folks may only try once in their lifetime. Would you be willing to take the chance that it won't be everything it should be, and more?

We look forward to sharing a truly wonderful experience with you.

Jon Radowski, Owner & Chief Pilot

Special Events & Group Flights

For occasions such as corporate outings, team-building workshops, family gatherings, weddings and other functions, we specialize in large group hot air balloon flight excursions. We can easily handle parties of 30 or more with advance notice. Large groups will be accommodated in multiple hot air balloons, with our largest balloons capable of carrying up to 12 at a time in luxurious, comfortably-padded baskets. Group discount rates apply for six or more passengers booked at one time. Be sure to plan ahead at least a few weeks for group flights, although we'll always try to accommodate last-minute bookings.

Hot Air balloon Engagements & Weddings

A hot air balloon flight is a very adventurous way to propose to your significant other. An exclusive flight for two will guarantee the basket to yourselves - with plenty of room to get down on one knee. She'll remember the day forever! In-flight photos and special arrangements are always available. We will do everything in our power to make your hot air balloon proposal perfect in every way.

We also offer spectacular hot air balloon weddings. Our chief pilot Jon Radowski is an ordained minister and can officiate the ceremony, or you may wish to have your own officiant perform your marriage. The ceremony can be conducted either in the air or on the ground prior to liftoff. The marrying couple, minister and two witnesses - one of which can be the pilot - can all be carried in the basket of one balloon. Entire wedding parties can be carried aloft in one or multiple balloons. Please call for current wedding flight rates.

Rates

We're not afraid to list our Albuquerque hot air balloon ride prices upfront. It saves time and aggravation on your part, and it saves us a few minutes on the phone with potential customers. At the same time, we understand that most folks are looking for the best possible deal, and that's perfectly natural. With that in mind, our prices are certainly not the cheapest out there, but we firmly believe that you get what you pay for - and not all balloon rides in New Mexico are the same. If you're comfortable entrusting your life to the "lowest bidder" on a shorter balloon flight than normal, we're certain you'll have no trouble finding such a flight. Good luck!

Please note that pricing is per passenger. The Private Flight option means your group of 2, 3 or 4 will be the only passengers on board (plus the pilot, of course!).

All flights include the following:

• Average flight time ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Flights during Balloon Fiesta (October 1-10, 2010) will be approximately 45 minutes.
• Special post-flight champagne toast ceremony and refreshments. Non-alcoholic refreshments always available.
• Personalized First Flight Certificate
• Digital photos on the ground or in the air (on request, when available).
• Memories to last a Lifetime!

Hot air balloon flight prices shown above are current as of 8/2010. Prices are subject to change at any time. Flight certificates sold at previous prices will be honored unconditionally. There is never, and will never be any up-charge to current pricing levels for previously purchased flights.

Hot Air Balloon Festivals

Apex Balloons' chief pilot Jon Radowski attends a number of hot air balloon festivals each year. Flights are available at most of these events. Balloon festivals can range in size from small rallies with less than 10 balloons, to grandiose gatherings with hundreds! It's always a tremendous thrill to be surrounded in flight by other hot air balloons, and the photo opportunities afforded are absolutely terrific. Contact us for availability and pricing at any balloon event listed below.

Over 100 hot air balloons and special shapes lift off during the Saturday morning mass ascension at the 2008 New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

Our 2010 Balloon Festival Schedule:

	Date	Event	Location	Number of Balloons
	May 13-15	Maryland Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival	Ellicott City, MD	20
	May 28-31	Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival	Letchworth, NY	30
	June 4-6	Eagles Peak Campground Flyout	Robesonia, PA	5-10
	June 11-13	XLTA Meet	Amherst, MA	35
	June 18-19	WBYA Chester County Balloon Fest	Embreeville, PA	10
	June 24-27	Spirit In America Balloon Festival	Old Orchard Beach, Maine	10
	July 3-4	Pottstown Balloon Festival	Pottstown, PA	10
	July 8-11	Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off	Cornwall, Ontario, Canada	25
	July 23-25	New Jersey Festival of Ballooning	Readington, NJ	100+
	Aug 1-5	Warren County Farmers' Fair	Belvidere, NJ	35
	Aug 6-8	Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally	Binghamton, NY	35
	Aug 14-22	International de Montgolfieres de St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu	St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada	125
	Sept 10-12	Black Sheep Rally	Glens Falls, NY	25
	Oct 1-10	Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta	Albuquerque, NM	750
	Nov 19-22	Festival Internacional del Globo	León, Guanajuato, Mexico	100

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