Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain, originally opened in 1962 as the Gatlinburg Ski Resort, is a premier year-round adventure park and the only ski area in Tennessee. Located high above Gatlinburg, it offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park spans a significant area, featuring 10 ski trails, a wildlife habitat, and numerous amusement rides. In 2022, it was purchased by local entrepreneurs and rebranded from Ober Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain, bringing new investments and attractions like downhill mountain biking and the Cloud Catcher zipline.

What makes Ober Mountain special is its unique blend of winter sports and summer amusements, accessible via a scenic 2.1-mile Aerial Tramway that departs from downtown Gatlinburg. Whether you're carving down the slopes in January, racing on the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster in July, or observing native black bears in the Wildlife Habitat, Ober provides a comprehensive Smoky Mountain experience. Its rich history, evolving from a small private ski club to a massive multi-season destination, cements its status as a staple of Gatlinburg tourism.

Winter (Dec-Mar): Peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The Family Snow Zone is open. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Spring (Apr-May): Transition season. Skiing ends, and warmer weather activities like Downhill Mountain Biking and Summer Tubing begin. Moderate crowds. Summer (Jun-Aug): High season for amusement park rides, water raft rides, and the Wildlife Habitat. Very busy; early arrival is recommended. Fall (Sep-Nov): Best time for scenic views of the changing foliage via the Aerial Tramway and Sky Village Lift. Oktoberfest is celebrated with special food and music. Moderate to heavy crowds in October.

1. Arrive early (before 9 AM) during peak winter season to secure parking and beat the lift lines.
2. The Aerial Tramway is the best way to get up the mountain, especially when the winding Ski Mountain Road is icy or crowded.
3. Buy tickets online in advance to save time at the ticket counter.
4. Dress in layers; mountain weather can change quickly, and it's often colder at the top than in downtown Gatlinburg.
5. If you're not skiing, the Snow Tubing is incredibly popular but sells out fast—book weeks in advance for winter weekends.
6. Visit the Wildlife Habitat during feeding times for the most active animal viewing.
7. Eat at off-peak hours to avoid long lines at the restaurants.
8. The new Cloud Catcher Zipline offers some of the best views in the park, but requires a separate ticket.
9. Parking on the mountain is $20, but taking the tram from downtown might be more cost-effective and scenic for smaller groups.
10. Don't skip the indoor ice skating rink; it's a great way to cool off in the summer or warm up with hot cocoa in the winter.

Practical Details

Hours: Varies by season and attraction, typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for main activities. Parking: $20 per vehicle on the mountain (314 Cottage Drive); downtown parking available near the Aerial Tramway (1001 Parkway). Accessibility: The Aerial Tramway and main lodge are wheelchair accessible, but some outdoor terrain and rides have limitations. What to wear: Layers are essential. Winter requires waterproof snow gear for skiing/tubing; summer calls for comfortable activewear and closed-toe shoes for rides. Visit duration: Plan for 4-6 hours to experience a mix of rides, dining, and the wildlife habitat, or a full day if skiing/snowboarding.

Family & Kids

Ober Mountain is highly family-friendly with activities for all ages. Kid-friendly highlights include the Carousel, Chair Swings, Jump Pillow, and the Family Snow Zone for winter play. The Wildlife Habitat is great for kids to see native animals like black bears and river otters. Strollers can be taken on the Aerial Tramway (folded), and the downtown area is very stroller-friendly. The Ice Bumper Cars and Summer Tubing are also big hits with older kids and teens. Age and height restrictions apply to certain rides like the Mountain Coaster and Bobsled, so check ahead.

Nearby Attractions

Gatlinburg SkyPark (0.5 miles)
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (0.8 miles)
Anakeesta (0.9 miles)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance (1.5 miles)
Hollywood Star Cars Museum (0.3 miles)