Hot Air Balloons and Snowy Peaks: Capturing the Beauty of Winthrop’s Balloon Festival
Like many winter weekends, we spent the first weekend in March in the Methow Valley surrounded by snowy peaks. But instead of logging miles on my skis, I spent the mornings watching hot air balloons drift down the river against a beautiful backdrop of snowy peaks. Winthrop in winter is always gorgeous, but the Winthrop Balloon Roundup adds a whole new level of magic. It was a weekend filled with crisp air, vibrant colors, and a whole lot of "wow" moments.
For over 30 years, this charming old western town has hosted the balloon each winter. It’s the only winter balloon festival in Washington state and draws balloons from Snohomish, Seattle, and Balloon Depot. So far, I’ve only watched the festival from the ground, but maybe next year I’ll take a ride.
The teams start early in the morning, hoping to take flight around 7 am. Rather than attending the launch, I set up across the river where I had a better view of the balloons lifting off. Against the pristine snow and the soft morning light, the balloons became giant, floating jewels. They rose higher and higher, a beautiful blend of colors drifting across the valley. It was the kind of scene that makes your heart skip a beat.
The Winthrop Balloon Festival is a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't stop snapping away. From wide-angle shots of the whole panorama to close-ups of each balloon, there were so many ways to capture the beauty of the event. To capture a variety of angles and widths, I used both my Sony a7rV with the 70-200 GMII and the Sony a6700 with the Sigma 16-50 DC.
There's a sense of wonder and joy that permeates the festival. People of all ages gather to witness the spectacle, their faces lit up with smiles. It's a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the beauty of nature, and the power of human ingenuity. Worries drift away and childlike wonder takes over as we stand and watch the beautiful balloons.
A special highlight of the weekend is the Night Glow. During this event, the balloons are inflated right in the center of Winthrop, giving everyone a chance to get an up-close and personal look at these beautiful giants.
Even though the festival lasts three days, I could only make it for two. Thankfully, the skies were clear and the conditions perfect for the whole weekend, so I was treated to incredible views both days.
Following their time in the air, the balloons make their descent and land at the Winthrop-Methow Field Airport, located just outside of town. What's especially neat is seeing these vibrant balloons return to earth against the backdrop of the quiet, rural farms.
The Winthrop Balloon Roundup is a truly special event that encapsulates the beauty of winter in the Methow Valley. It's a photographer's dream, a family-friendly adventure, and a wonderful way to experience the charm of Winthrop. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this festival is a must-see. I left feeling inspired, refreshed, and already looking forward to next year's spectacle – and maybe, just maybe, I'll be up in one of those balloons!
I'm already planning my return to the Winthrop Balloon Roundup, and I'm considering making it even more special in 2026. I'm thinking of organizing a small, intimate photography mini-retreat, where we can share our passion for photography and capture the festival's magic together. If you'd like to be considered for this unique experience, please let me know in the comments!
