The talented pilots of The Great Reno Balloon Race use wind currents and elevation to control the direction they travel. As pilots ascend or descend into a sea of wind currents that exist in the atmosphere, the balloon takes on different directions. Each morning, pilots are briefed about wind speeds and directions at various “ceilings” or elevation measurements. The pilots use this information along with the forecasted weather changes and the local terrain as navigational tools. When it comes to ballooning, there is much more than meets the eye!

GRBR COMPETITION

This year, The Great Reno Balloon Race will be back to a full three days of competition ballooning (weather permitting).  This year will include the finale for the three-event Nevada State Hot Air Balloon Championship where Nevada State pilots will be vying for the state title. Besides the standard targets on the ground, this year’s competition will include virtual targets in the sky. Competitors will have to use electronic devices to navigate these aerial tasks where they will drop an electronic mark on the invisible target.