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Snowmass history: Cenntennial-Bicentennial events
By Aspen Historical Society Follow
info@aspenhistory.org at Aspen Times
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
As reported in The Aspen Times June 17, 1976, “Betty Pfister, an airplane and helicopter pilot for many years is now beginning a love affair with balloons. This week she is flying in a balloon over the Swiss Alps. And on July 17 and 18 she is organizing a balloon race in Snowmass Resort as part o...
Key takeaway ’ She said contestants will be 12 balloonists from Colorado, four from New Mexico, one from Salt Lake, two from St.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Ute Lift-Off Balloon Race, organized by Betty Pfister, brings a unique event to Snowmass Resort as part of the Roaring Fork Centennial-Bicentennial Festivities. This invitational race will feature 20 balloonists from across the country, launching near the Country Club in Snowmass. The event's reliance on light morning winds, with launches at 6:30 AM, showcases the challenges of hosting such events in the mountainous terrain of the Roaring Fork Valley. Spectators can observe the balloons from the upper dirt road past the Anderson Ranch, providing a scenic view of the hot air balloons in flight. The race's brief duration, with all balloons expected to be back on the ground by 10 AM, also highlights the importance of precise planning and execution in Aspen's unpredictable mountain weather. As the community celebrates its centennial and bicentennial, events like the Ute Lift-Off Balloon Race demonstrate the region's ability to host diverse and exciting festivities amidst its stunning natural backdrop.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As reported in The Aspen Times June 17, 1976, “Betty Pfister, an airplane and helicopter pilot for many years is now beginning a love affair with balloons. This week she is flying in a balloon over the Swiss Alps. And on July 17 and 18 she is organizing a balloon race in Snowmass Resort as part o...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Aspen Historical Society Follow
info@aspenhistory.org at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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