About Us

Big Horn Balloon Company, operated by the Irving family, has geared its business toward families and small groups for over 25 years. If you're looking for a great scenic balloon flight with an experienced pilot who gives his passengers individual attention, then Big Horn Balloon Company is for you.

Our pilot, Mark Irving has been flying at high altitude since 1979. He began operating Big Horn Balloon Company in 1986 and has maintained an impeccable safety record. Being designated a commercial pilot as well as a flight instructor by the Federal Aviation Administration, Mark has designed his balloon system with high altitude flights in mind for safety and optimum passenger enjoyment. Our track record has given us a reputation of safety and customer satisfaction.

Balloon accidents are relatively few. The main reason for these accidents are contact with powerlines or landings with high winds. The best choice you can make is to choose an experienced pilot, very familiar with the area you will be flying in and who has a good safety record.

Our experience has taught us that flying a "cattle car" balloon (one that carries 6 or more passengers) takes away the personal touch and interaction between the pilot and passengers, Therefore we have chosen to cater to small groups and families.  In addition, Mark's many years in the area has given him a vast knowledge base of the areas history, geography, wildlife, and even a little geology. Our track record has given us a reputation of safety and customer satisfaction.  We take pride in the fact that our flights offer not only spectacular scenery, but also information and entertainment.

With a launch site at 9,600 feet above sea level Crested Butte is home to the world's highest altitude balloon operation. Nestled in the West Elk Mountain Range this historic mining town turned resort provides unsurpassed access to an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers.

Views from the balloon not only give you up close and personal views of the mountains surrounding Crested Butte, but also of 14,000 ft peaks near Aspen (Maroon Bells, Snowmass, and Pyramid Peak), the Saguache Range, AND EVEN mountains in the San Juan Range over 100 miles away. The brilliant colors of changing aspens make these mountains exceptionally beautiful in September.

Montrose, home of the Black Canyon National Park, offers flights with panoramic views of the Uncompahgre River Valley, Uncompagre Plateau, Grand Mesa, West Elks, and a closer view of the San Juans. Ouray (Switzerland of America), Telluride, and Grand Junction are minutes away.

At lower altitudes you'll enjoy views of wildflowers and wildlife in the summer with an occasional "Splash and Dash" in a local stream, river, or pond. October flights will dazzle you with golden colors of changing cottonwoods.