First of all Lake Tahoe is just one of those marvelous places to visit in the summertime as there are just so many wonderful things you can do and see. But imagine yourself floating over the Lake in a beautiful hot air balloon on a quiet summer morning or evening. What better place to see the vista from than a balloon.It turns out that there is a company that takes vacationers on rides in the Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley areas. The scenic tours can take from 4-16 passengers in the balloons which range in size from 140,000 cubic feet of volume up to 240,000 cubic feet of air volume. Tour companies that give hot air balloon rides work only with the newest and most modern balloon equipment.
Flights typically depart shortly after sunrise as this is when the earth is still cool and winds are calm. Sunrise schedules vary throughout the year. Dependant on the time of year you are confirmed the company will pick you up anywhere from 5:00AM-7:00AM. Hot air balloon flights are very weather permitting and require good visibility and low wind speeds.
Balloon flights over Lake Tahoe or the Carson Valley can begin at elevations from 4,200 feet to 6, 200 feet above sea level. The flights can get up to elevations of 10,000 feet above sea level when conditions permit offering spectacular views of all of the Sierras and on a clear day even the peaks of Yosemite. If you have any fear of heights you really don't need to worry. You will not experience any vertigo feelings because you are moving with the wind currents which mean there is no rocking or swaying or feeling of movement. This brings little chance of any motion sickness or the need for any medication.
One of the Tahoe balloon tour companies even features their own launch vessel that is Coast Guard certified. The Tahoe Flyer is a 21 ton, 120' x 22' foot, two deck, and Catamaran Style aircraft carrier vessel. It was specifically designed and built to inflate and launch hot air balloons off of its upper deck. There is tons of room on board for passengers and guests alike which means that this tour will be fun for all of your friends and family alike as they head out onto Lake Tahoe for the adventure. The balloons take off and land from the upper deck of the Tahoe Flyer which allows for a smooth transition both ways.
Most of the tour trips last about an hour of flying time and you should expect to block out about four hours of time overall to take one of these balloon tours of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe balloons is based out of South Lake Tahoe.
I have always gotten my Tahoe vistas by climbing trails to the mountain tops or riding the ski lifts at Homewood or Heavenly Valley but I think this would be a magical way to take in the scenery and deep blue waters of Tahoe. It might be just right for that upcoming birthday bash.
