Why Hot Air Balloons Use Wicker Baskets – And Why Ballooning is the Thing to Do in Pagosa Springs
If you’ve ever taken a ride in a hot air balloon (or even just admired one from below), you’ve probably noticed something curious: the basket. It’s not metal. It’s not plastic. It’s not high-tech. It’s wicker. Yes – the same material used for picnic baskets and patio furniture. So why do hot air balloons, these incredible flying machines that soar thousands of feet above the earth, still rely on such an old-school material? At Pagosa Adventure, we get asked this question all the time – and we love it, because the answer reveals just how perfectly suited wicker is for ballooning.
1. Durability and Flexibility
Wicker may look delicate, but it’s incredibly strong and flexible. When a balloon lands, the basket often makes contact with uneven terrain or may bounce slightly – wicker absorbs the shock better than a rigid material, protecting both the passengers and the structure of the basket itself.
2. Lightweight by Nature
Hot air balloons rely on being as lightweight as possible to take flight efficiently. Wicker provides the perfect combination of strength without unnecessary weight, helping us climb higher with ease.
3. Time-Tested Tradition
Hot air ballooning dates back to the 1700s, and wicker baskets have been part of that journey from the beginning. They’re not just practical – they’re also part of the timeless aesthetic that makes ballooning feel like stepping into a storybook. At Pagosa Adventure, we embrace that history every time we launch.
4. Breathability and Comfort
Wicker breathes. That’s especially helpful when the burners overhead are firing, and it helps keep the basket environment comfortable. Plus, the weave offers a little bit of give, making it surprisingly comfortable to stand in while you float over the San Juan Mountains.
Ballooning in Pagosa Springs – The Ultimate Colorado Experience
While the basket gets plenty of attention, what really makes hot air ballooning unforgettable is the view – and there’s no better place to experience it than right here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
With its dramatic mountain backdrops, vast forests, and crystal-clear skies, Pagosa Springs offers some of the most stunning ballooning conditions in the country. Whether you’re visiting for the hot springs, skiing, hiking, or just a relaxing getaway, a sunrise balloon flight should be at the top of your list. There’s truly nothing like drifting silently above the San Juan River Valley, watching the sun paint the mountains in gold and pink.
At Pagosa Adventure, our experienced pilots, beautiful custom balloons, and small-group flights make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And yes – you’ll be flying in a handcrafted wicker basket, just like the balloonists of old (but with a little more legroom and a champagne toast at the end!).
Ready to rise above it all?
Book your balloon adventure today and find out why ballooning is the thing to do in Pagosa Springs.
