Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Opens for the Season

The slopes are open at Ober Gatlinburg for another season of winter fun in the Great Smoky Mountains! As the premiere ski resort in East Tennessee, Ober is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with the whole family. Read on for everything you need to know about skiing in Gatlinburg.

(See Also: Spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Planned for the Gatlinburg Ball Drop)

Skiing and Snowboarding

Ober Gatlinburg offers ten amazing trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Lessons are required for those who have never participated in these sports before, and lessons are also available for anyone who would like a touch-up course. There are trails available specifically for beginners, intermediate trails for those who have participated in these activities several times, and much more challenging trails for those who are at a truly advanced level. Whichever you choose, various lifts are available to take you right back to the top of the mountain for another exciting trip down. You may bring your own equipment, or everything you need can be rented on site.

Snow Tubing

Anyone ages 3 and above will have a great time on Ober’s snow tubing lanes. Sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes, and a lift will take you back to the top of the slope each time. Each participant is provided with a snow tube, and children love to race each other and their parents down the side-by-side slopes. Tubers ages 3 to 5 must ride with a parent or other responsible adult, and children age 6 or older must be at least 3 and ½ feet tall to ride alone.

Cubbie’s Snow Zone

Cubbie’s Snow Zone is a special area that has been set aside for children 4 feet tall and under who are accompanied by a responsible adult. It provides a safe place for younger children to have a fun time playing in the snow. This is a must stop spot for any parent bringing little kids to Ober Gatlinburg!

Ice Skating

Take a break from the slopes and spend some time at Ober Gatlinburg’s huge indoor ice-skating arena! You can choose to skate for an hour or an entire afternoon, and skate rentals are available for all sizes.

Scenic Chairlift

Sit back and enjoy the very best views of the Great Smoky Mountains on this scenic chairlift adventure. Your picture will be snapped when you reach the very top, and it will be available for purchase. Children ages 6 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian.

Wildlife Encounter

Visitors are welcome to come see a variety of native wildlife that includes bears, bobcats, raccoons, snakes, turtles, flying squirrels, and skunks. An underwater viewing area will allow guests to see the river otters swimming and playing, and a large enclosed aviary houses a great many impressive birds.

Aerial Tramway

Just making your way to the ski resort can be an adventure when you choose to arrive on the aerial tramway! You can park your car on Parkway and LeConte Street in downtown Gatlinburg, and then take Ober’s signature cable car on an amazing 2.1 mile ride to the resort. It departs from downtown several times a day, and it will return you to your car when your day of fun is done.

For more information about the Aerial Tramway, visit the official Ober Gatlinburg website.

Restaurants and Shops

Enjoy an exquisite meal at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant, or you might enjoy nibbling on a piece of homemade fudge from the Fudge Shoppe if you’re in the mood for a sweet snack. Several other dining and shopping opportunities are also available on-site.

Let Parkside Cabin Rentals put you in the perfect cabin while you enjoy the skiing in Gatlinburg and all the other seasonal activities and events. Whether you want to plan a
romantic getaway for two, or a vacation for the entire family, we have the ideal cabin for your trip to the Smokies. Visit our Gatlinburg Cabins page to start planning your winter vacation!