Dreaming of a fun winter experience in The Smokies? This Gatlinburg Vacation Guide will definitely pique your interest and tell you everything you need to know about snow tubing in Gatlinburg, TN.
Snow tubing is one of the most popular winter activities in Gatlinburg, TN because there’s no training required or practice needed to enjoy it! Plus, it’s super affordable and perfect for families.


Keep reading to know more about the best place to go snow tubing in Gatlinburg, TN.

What Do You Wear Snow Tubing In Gatlinburg?
The best way to dress for the winter is by layering your clothes. Warm clothes like Turtleneck shirts, sweaters, long underwear, and footless tights are great as underlayers.
Wearing socks under your winter boots is better to keep your feet from getting wet or cold. For your safety and protection, you can also wear goggles, gloves, sunglasses, etc.
To learn more head to our post: What To Wear Snow Tubing At Ober Gatlinburg?
The park also advises riders to wear pants or jacket/shirt with a hole or loop to fasten the lift or tubing tickets, such as a zipper pull, button-hole, or belt loop.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Snow Tubing At Ober Gatlinburg?
During weekdays or non-holidays, the ticket price for ages 5 and up is $30. While tickets for the weekends and holiday periods would cost $35 for ages 5 and up.

Ages 3 & 4 are free but must be accompanied by a paid adult for each child. Take note that anyone under 3 is not allowed to ride.
One thing’s for sure: the experience is worth every penny!
Snow Tubing in Gatlinburg, TN
There’s no better place to spend the cold winter days none other than Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s #1 skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing destination.
The opening dates of the skiing and snowboarding season are determined by mother nature. In contrast, snow tubing is predictable and will always open on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which runs throughout March. You can arrive in the mountains without hassle via the Aerial Tramway located in Downtown Gatlinburg which is open daily. This is also an excellent opportunity to observe the beautiful surrounding Smoky Mountains.
The park features a tubing hill 350 feet long with a 50-foot drop, as well as a “Magic Carpet” outdoor escalator that lifts you back to the top of the hills for non-stop fun. Each session lasts 90 minutes, and only those ages 3 y/o and up are allowed to ride.
For kids who cannot go tubing, the park offers a Cubbies Snow Zone where they can play, make snowmen and snow angels and discover winter excitement.
Tips for Snow Tubing In Ober Gatlinburg
Excited to go snow tubing in Gatlinburg? Better prepare and keep in mind these few tips to enjoy and make the most out of your stay in Ober Gatlinburg.
- Purchase Tickets in Advance– Snow tubing tickets in Ober Gatlinburg sell out fast, so avoid getting disappointed by purchasing your tickets in advance. Aside from online sales, you can buy snow tubing tickets for any available snow tubing session Downtown at the Tramway Mall “Will Call” booth or the Snow Tubing ticket office on the mountain.
- Be Aware Of Restrictions and Other Regulations– For safety reasons, certain age restrictions must be followed. Anyone ages 3y/o and up are allowed to ride but can only ride alone if they are 6 years old and 42” tall. Ensure you also follow safety guidelines in the park and be aware of all the signs.
- Try to Avoid Going On Busy Days– The park gets crowded during the weekends and holidays. If you can go on a weekday, better grab the opportunity! If you don’t have the option of going on a weekday, make sure you allot more time because it may take 2 or more hours to ride the Tramway or park on the mountain during popular days.
- Dress Appropriately– Stay warm by layering your clothes and wearing the right shoes.
- Stay Close To The Slopes– If you’re looking for a place to stay, make sure you pick a place close to all activities.
- Bear’s Wilderness Lodge at GSM Family Vacations: 5 BR Cabin in Gatlinburg Sleeps 12
- These Stunning Gatlinburg Campgrounds Will Get You Close To All The Action
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download Our FREE Winter Packing List
Related Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Recommended Resources
Looking for the perfect gift for an outdoor lover? Put an end to your search with these travel gift ideas from PhotoJeepers. From travel journals to planners, there’s surely something for them here.
Snow tubing is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike in Winter. Check out these other resources on snow tubing:
- Snow Tubing in Pigeon Forge
- Best Ski Resorts in West Virginia
- The Best Destinations for Snow Tubing in Ohio