2012 Snowmass Balloon Festival

Welcome to the 37th annual Snowmass Balloon Festival, one of the highest hot air balloon festivals in the U.S. and one of the most colorful weekends of the year in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Visitors will marvel at three days of hot air balloon competitions set against the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and the spectacular fall foliage. September 14-16. 2012

In addition to hot air balloons, sample over 200 wines and culinary delights by local chefs at the Snowmass Wine Festival (www.snowmassrotary.org ). Additional activities like chairlift rides, art and gallery tours, mountain biking, disc golf, tours of the new base village, and Aspen’s famed Saturday market also await in a region renowned for its arts, adventure, and relaxing mountain endeavors.

Schedule 

Friday Sept 14 – 7:00- 10:00 am
Colorado Rat Race – Come watch this annual tradition as all 30 participants will race to see who can fly their Balloons the farthest down valley in a three hour window.

Saturday Sept 15 8:00 – 10:00 am
The SnowMASS Ascension is a coordinated launch of all balloons participating in the 2012 Snowmass Balloon Festival. Once aloft, the balloons will float effortlessly above the Snowmass Valley for an hour or two, perhaps dropping down for a splash-n-dash in one of the golf course ponds, offering spectacular views and tremendous photographic opportunities.

Saturday Sept 15 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Night Glow and Concert – Come join us for this annual sunset celebration featuring a free concert by Colorado Recording Artists Better then Bacon http://www.betterthanbaconband.com, and mouthwatering BBQ from Big Hoss. At Sunset watch as the balloonist take flight illuminating the skies above.

Sunday September 16th 8:00 – 10:00 am
The SnowMASS Ascension is a coordinated launch of all balloons participating in the 2012 Snowmass Balloon Festival. Once aloft, the balloons will float effortlessly above the Snowmass Valley for an hour or two, perhaps dropping down for a splash-n-dash in one of the golf course ponds, offering spectacular views and tremendous photographic opportunities.