Are you looking for a skiing opportunity in Tennessee? Did you know that there’s a well-known ski resort right in Gatlinburg? I’ll tell you all about that, and the other activities Ober Gatlinburg has to offer, in this post.
First of all, let me explain Ober Gatlinburg to you. Basically, you can ride a tram or drive up to Ober Gatlinburg. At the top, is a ski resort, but there are lots of other fun activities, too. Here they are, by season:
All Seasons:
- Ober Gatlinburg Tram. Trams depart regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, and take visitors on a 2.1 mile ride up Mount Harrison. It’s a beautiful trip. Fine for all ages. Strollers must be folded before boarding the tram. Located at Parkway and LeConte Streets in downtown Gatlinburg. Cost: $11 for adults, $8.50 for kids ages 5-11; 4 and under are free (roundtrip)
- Ice Skating. Ober Gatlinburg has a huge indoor ice arena that is the centerpiece of Ober Gatlinburg’s enclosed mall. Ages 4 and under are free. Cost: $9 for a 3-hour session (includes skate rental)
- Wildlife Encounter. The Wildlife Encounter is just fancy talk for a small zoo. There are two black bears, raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, birds, owls, river otters, and snakes. Some animals hibernate and are not available for viewing in the winter. Cost: $6 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5-11; 4 and under are free. Tickets are valid for unlimited visits during the day of purchase.
- Scenic Chairlift. Once you finish your scenic tram ride, you can hop on the scenic chairlift for more amazing views. This is the South’s longest chairlift. Photos are available for purchase on top. Occasionally, bands play during the ride. Ages 6 and under must be with an adult. Cost: $7 per person.
- Carousel. The old-fashioned carousel ride is right in the middle of the mall at Ober Gatlinburg. Purchase of ticket is valid for unlimited rides on the day of purchase. Children must be 36″ or taller to ride alone. Cost: $3.50 per person
- Arcade: Lots of indoor video and skill games. Redeem tickets for toys and small gifts. Cost: Arcade games vary in prices
- Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant and Lounge. Restaurant with views of the Smokies, near a wood-burning fireplace. Kids menus available.
- LeConte Deli. This new restaurant offers sub sandwiches with chips, cookies, and drinks. Located in the Tramway mall.
Winter:
- Tubing. Snow tubing is available for adults and kids ages 3 and over. The best thing about this tubing hill? No need to walk back up. There’s a conveyor belt to get you back to the top. Tubers must be at least 6 years old and 42″ tall to ride solo. Sessions last for an hour and a half.
- Skiing & Snowboarding. Nine trails are serviced by four lifts. Ober Gatlinburg offers terrain for all abilities, from beginner to experienced. The ski resort portion of Ober Gatlinburg has been open since 1962. Also includes a freestyle terrain park. Cost: Varies. Here are all your options.
Spring, Summer, Fall:
- Alpine Slide. Your ride on the alpine slide combines a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain with a 1,800-foot descent on one of two tracks through woods and ski trails. You control your own speed with a braking device on each sled. Ages six and under must ride with a paid adult. All riders must be able to walk to ride the ride. Alpine slide is not usually open during ski season, but does open occasionally. Cost: $7 per person
- Amaze’n Maze. This giant outdoor maze includes passports that guests may stamp at checkpoints as they work their way to the exit. The passports also clock their time for prizes.
- Chair Swing. The chair swing is one of those swing carnival-type rides. Riders must be at least 42″ to ride. Cost: $3.50 per person
- Blue Cyclone Rapids. This is a 600-foot water slide. Riders climb 60 feet high, then ride on a tube down the slide. Ages 4 and under free with paid adult. Children must be 7 or older to ride alone.
- Kiddie Land. This is a place for young visitors to enjoy with tunnels to explore, swinging bridges to cross, a web to scramble through, ladders to scale, and chutes to slide down. Includes a train ride and a car ride. Cost: FREE!
- Mini Golf. This 18-hole mini golf course is outdoors and features a train theme.
- Lightnin’ Raft Ride: Believe it or not, this water raft ride doesn’t require swimsuits. This is a dry ride with a 40-foot vertical drop. Children must be 7 or older to ride alone.