Winter is an often overlooked, yet, great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially, if you love to ski. While Tennessee doesn’t have the huge skiing scene of Colorado or nearby North Carolina ski resorts, it does boast Ober Mountain’s ski slopes, snow tubing, and winter village making skiing in Tennessee a great pass time for Gatlinburg visitors and those visiting the Smoky Mountains in the Winter.
Winter Activities at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you are planning to ski in Tennessee, then a visit to Gatlnburg in the Winter and a trip to Ober Mountain is exactly what you need! Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect on a winter visit to Ober Mountain.
Ober Mountain: Ober Mountain, formerly known, as Ober Gatlinburg, has recently undergone a change in ownership which has resulted in a lot of changes in a very positive direction. In 2022, Joe Baker, founder of the Ole Smoky Distillery, purchased and regbranded Ober Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain. Since that time, Ober Mountain has been undergoing significant updgrading including new attractions, year round chair lifts, and improving the snow making.
Here a just a few of the fun new attractions you can expect to enjoy on a Winter visit to Gatlinburg at Ober Mountain.
- Skiing and Snowboarding- Of course, this is the top attraction at Ober Mountain in those winter months. The whole family will love skiing in Tennessee at Ober Mountain and for those who really love to shred the snow, snowboarding is all the rage at Ober!
- Snow Tubing in Gatlinburg– For the family members who prefer a more amateur experience on the slopes, don’t miss the snow tubing now available at Ober Mountain. The thrilling 350-foot hill, boasting a 50-foot drop, will excite all thrill seekers, and don’t worry, Ober Mountain will whisk back to the top of the hill for another ride on their “Magic Carpet”.
- Mountain Coaster- Not up for skiing or snow tubing? How about a high speed ride on a rail? Ober Mountains, Tennessee Flyer, is open in the winter months and is ready to whisk you down the mountain on a 1,000-foot ascent on 3,750-foot track through the forest.
My husband and I recently enjoyed a blast down a Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster on our recent visit to Gatlinburg in January. They really are a must do attraction when visiting Gatlinburg in the Winter!
- Zip-Lining- Still need more thrills? On the Cloud Catcher Zip line you can soar 300 feet off the ground for 3200 feet on one of their 3 ziplines.
- Ice Skating- Looking for a more subdued adventure at Ober Mountain? Don’t miss their indoor skating rink on your Winter in Gatlinburg visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the slopes in one of the best ski resorts near Tennessee!
Can You Drive Up The Mountain To Ober Mountain?
For most people, the Aerial Tram is the best way to reach Ober Mountain, but there is always an option. Driving to the ski area is another option but can be challenging, especially during winter.
It’s about a 3-mile drive up a two-lane mountain road from the Aerial Tramway stop at downtown Gatlinburg.
There is a $10 parking rate per standard vehicle, and can have limited availability depending on the weather conditions in winter.
Staying in Gatlinburg in the Winter at Our Beautiful 5 Bedroom Cabin
When visiting Gatlinburg in Winter, staying in a cabin is a great way to go. Winter rates are at an all time low and you can often get a great deal on a gorgeous cabin for any size party. Our 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom Cabin is just what you and your family need to enjoy your winter escape to the Tennessee Mountains.
Load up your whole family and come on over to Bear’s Wilderness Lodge for a great winter getaway in Gatlinburg. Let me know you found us on this article, for an additional $150 off our best winter rates!
Ski Mountain Road is open to vehicles with 4-wheel drive and/or chains only. Since their address doesn’t work for most GPS systems, you can check Ober Mountain‘s website for directions on how to get there.
Best Ski Resorts in and near Tennessee
If you are looking for more skiing opportunities when visiting Tennessee, we’ve also covered the best ski resorts in North Carolina as well.
For more winter fun in the area, also read more about things to do in the Smoky Mountains in Winter or check out these special things to do in the Smoky Mountains in January.
While the state of Tennessee only offers one well-known Ski Resort, Ober Mountain , its location in the heart of the Smoky Mountains makes it an attractive destination for those looking to hit the slopes in Tennessee or those who want to go snow tubing in Gatlinburg.
The ski resort offers 10 skiing and snowboarding trails and is serviced by two quads, including one double and one surface lift.
In terms of elevation, the resort is around the 3,000-foot mark and features varied skiing terrains that are perfect for beginners or those who want to take on some challenge.
Aside from being a famous skiing destination, they also offer the very popular and unique Aerial Tramway that allows you to get a breathtaking view of the Smokies as you ascend to the top of the resort.
Ober Gatlinburg has 100% snowmaking and ski rentals available for skiers who don’t have their skiing equipment. They also offer ski lessons taught by experienced instructors to help beginners learn the basics of skiing.
Daily ski area tickets run from approximately $35 – $79, depending on the day, date, age, etc. This ticket gives you access to the ski slopes & the lifts that service them for one session of skiing.
Check out these best ski resorts in North Carolina that are just an hour or two away from Gatlinburg, perfect for when you want to try something new but not too far away.
Also, if you're looking for more winter adventure, these are the best places for snow tubing In North Carolina.
Check out these top ski resorts in Virginia that will surely take your skiing trip to the next level. And be sure not to miss these awesome spots for snow tubing In Virginia.
Check out these amazing ski resorts that will take your breath away, and don't forget to visit these destinations for snow tubing In West Virginia.
Download Our FREE Winter Packing List For The Smokies!
Related Smoky Mountains Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
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