Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is home to the best family ski resort in Tennessee, where all ages can have fun in the snow. Read on to get the inside scoop on Ober Mountain skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, and more– the best things to do during winter in Gatlinburg!
Does Gatlinburg get enough snow?
Some years, the Tennessee Smoky Mountains can receive several feet of natural snow during the winter, and other years, less than a foot. Because the snowfall in Gatlinburg varies, the experts at Ober Mountain make snow beginning in early to mid-December. Their snow-making techniques use advanced machinery, but this snow is not your average “fake snow”; in fact, there’s nothing fake about it! Read all about Ober’s snowmaking process to learn more!
Ober Mountain Skiing
Skiing in Gatlinburg starts in December and continues into the month of March– open 7 days a week, including holidays! There are numerous slopes for all experience levels, from beginner to intermediate, and advanced. Take a look at Ober’s slope report before you arrive to find out which slopes are open! Here’s some information about Ober Mountain ski tickets:
- Junior tickets are available for children ages 6 to 11.
- Children under 18 must have a signed liability waiver if not skiing with an adult.
- Children under 11 must ski with a person over 18.
- Children under 5 are free (one free ski area ticket per paying adult).
- Adults 70 years old and up are also free.
- Senior discounts are available for adults ages 60 to 69.
- 2 and 3-day discounted tickets are available (full sessions, consecutive days only).
Lessons & Equipment
An introductory ski lesson is mandatory for anyone who has never skied before, and Ober’s ski instructors teach you the basics of downhill skiing and snowboarding while emphasizing both safety and fun. Rental equipment is also available on a first-come first-served basis.
Freestyle Terrain Park
The freestyle terrain park at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg has a number of rails, boxes, spines, half pipes, and other features so that skiers and snowboarders can challenge themselves by doing acrobatic tricks and jumps in a safe environment.
Other Winter Sports & Activities at Ober
Of course, a trip to Ober Moutain isn’t complete without riding the Aerial Tram or Scenic Chairlift to the top of Mount Harrison or visiting the Wildlife Habitat! But if you’re looking for other winter activities, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy:
- Snow Tubing– ride the magic carpet escalator and experience the thrills of soaring down the tubing hill! Tickets for the 90-minute sessions often sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead!
- Ice Skating– the indoor ice skating rink at the Ober Mountain Mall offers family fun all year round and is included in the general admission wristband (renal skates are also included).
- The Snow Zone– for kiddos too small to tube or ski, this snow play area is great for building snowmen and making snow angels!
Ober Mountain Season Pass: Is It Worth It?
If you’re interested in taking advantage of Ober Mountain skiing or other winter sports on a regular basis, an Ober Season Pass may be the best choice. A season pass not only offers unlimited access to the ski slopes but also provides access to the ski lifts that serve the slopes as well as the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. A parking permit is included in the price of the season pass, as well as food and retail discounts and 2 buddy passes.
Where To Stay Near Ober In Gatlinburg
Now that you know all about Ober Mountain skiing, it’s time to book your winter ski vacation to the Smokies! The Bearskin Lodge offers spacious and comfortable hotel rooms in Gatlinburg that are within walking distance to Ober’s Aerial Tram with cozy amenities including fireplaces in some rooms and others with balconies. Browse all of our Gatlinburg hotel rooms to find the perfect place to stay!
