What is Off-Season?
At Elevated Ballooning, our off-season runs from November to April. While we may not be flying, there’s still a lot happening behind the scenes! People often ask, “What do you even do when flights aren’t running?” The answer? A lot. Like most small business owners, there’s no such thing as a “time off” season—it’s just a shift in focus.
For us, off-season means hitting pause on flights due to logistical challenges (and let’s be honest, a LOT of snow). A successful hot air balloon landing requires plenty of open space for deflation and easy vehicle access to retrieve the balloon. Winter throws a wrench into that plan. Many of our landing areas are blanketed with snow and don’t get plowed, and the roads that are clear are often lined with power lines. Until we crack the code on winter flights (and trust me, we’re brainstorming), we’ll stay grounded until spring.
But don’t worry—we’re far from idle! The off-season is when we dive into the Four C’s: Catch-Up, Care Take, Community, and Create.
Catch-Up
Summer really flies by (pun absolutely intended). Between early mornings, breathtaking flights, and managing the business, there’s no time for the not-so-glamorous tasks like bookkeeping, filing, and—gulp—taxes. The off-season is when I finally sit down with that ever-growing pile of paperwork and tackle it head-on. Exciting? No. Necessary? Absolutely.
Care Take
By the end of the season, our equipment has been through it all—mud, dust, frost, and more. Winter is the perfect time to give everything the TLC it deserves. The vehicles get tune-ups, the balloons head to Prosser for their FAA-required inspections, and everything gets a deep clean. And let’s not forget my incredible staff—they finally get to sleep in and enjoy some much-deserved downtime!
Community
The off-season is also when I can give back to the community that supports us so wholeheartedly. Outreach programs are a big part of our mission, but they take time to organize and prepare. Schools aren’t in session during the summer, so winter is the perfect opportunity to work on educational programs that share the magic of ballooning.
This is also when I roll up my sleeves and prepare for the annual Teton Valley Balloon Rally, held every Fourth of July weekend. As Balloon Meister, I manage everything from contracts and insurance to pilot registrations and housing arrangements. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of my year.
Create
Off-season? More like dream season! This is when inspiration flows, and new ideas come to life. Whether it’s brainstorming fresh merchandise, revamping our website, or creating fun social media content, winter is the time to turn dreams into reality. This year, we’re learning how to make and sell merchandise, and I couldn’t be more excited to share these projects with you soon!
Taking Bookings
Even though we’re grounded for now, the off-season is a great time to plan your next adventure! Got questions about your trip to the Tetons? Curious about what to expect on a balloon ride? We’re here to help. Reach out to us at info@elevatedballooning.com or give us a call at 208-709-0777 to book your 2025 flight.
While I miss flying and meeting our wonderful guests, this downtime is essential for keeping Elevated Ballooning fresh, inspired, and ready to soar again. We’re already dreaming about liftoff, and we can’t wait to share the skies with you in 2025!
About Elevated Ballooning
At Elevated Ballooning, we specialize in private sunrise balloon flights that create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring the stunning beauty of Teton Valley, we aim to make every flight serene, personal, and magical.
Our Commitment
- Safety First: As FAA-certified pilots, we prioritize your safety while ensuring you enjoy the magic of flight.
- Community Engagement: We love sharing the joy of ballooning with the Teton Valley community, from school programs to local events.
- Local Expertise: As a long-time Teton Valley resident, I bring deep local knowledge and passion to every flight.
Thank you for being part of our journey! Stay connected with us for updates, special offers, and behind-the-scenes fun by following us on social media or signing up for our newsletter.
Ready to soar? Contact us today to book your 2025 adventure—we’d love to take you to new heights!