Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park: Year-Round Fun
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park is a really fun place in Gatlinburg that many people like to visit. It’s great no matter when you go – winter for skiing or summer for water fun. We want to help you have an awesome time, so we made a guide to ensure your visit to Ober Gatlinburg is perfect.
Ober Gatlinburg History
The word ‘Ober’ in German means ‘upper’ or ‘top of,’ so Ober Gatlinburg translates to ‘Upper Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg started in 1962 as Gatlinburg Ski Resort. In 1973, they built the Aerial Tramway, a big lift, which Claude Anders opened.
Before this lift, people had to drive up Mount Harrison. In 1975, the Anders family bought the ski resort and combined it with the Aerial Tramway. Then, in 1977, they changed the name to Ober Gatlinburg.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park
Year-round Activities at Gatlinburg
Scenic Chairlift ($10 per person)
The scenic chairlift at Ober Gatlinburg is one of the longest in South America. It can carry up to 342 pounds, and the ride lasts about 15 minutes. Just relax and take in the amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains during this chairlift adventure.
When you reach the very top, they’ll take your picture, and you can buy it. If you’re 6 years old or younger, make sure to have a parent or guardian with you. You can go up and down on the chairlift and listen to free Bluegrass music at the top of the mountain. The band plays every day from Memorial Day to Thanksgiving.
Ice Skating ($10 per person)
At Ober Gatlinburg, there’s a big indoor ice skating rink you can enjoy all year round! It’s 140 feet by 75 feet and in the middle of a place where you can eat and buy souvenirs from the Great Smoky Mountains.
If you want a break from skiing, you can spend time skating inside. You can skate for an hour or even the whole afternoon, and they have skates for everyone. So, even if it’s raining or too hot outside, you can come inside the skating rink and have lots of fun on the ice!
The Aerial Tramway ($19-22 per adult, $16-19 per child)
Ober Gatlinburg started in 1962 as Gatlinburg Ski Resort. In 1973, they built the Aerial Tramway, a big lift opened by Claude Anders. Before this lift, people had to drive up Mount Harrison.
The Anders family acquired the ski resort in 1975 and combined it with the Aerial Tramway. Then, in 1977, they changed the name to Ober Gatlinburg. One cool thing about Ober Gatlinburg is how you can get there.
The Aerial Tramway in Gatlinburg takes you from downtown to Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area, spanning 2.1 miles. It’s one of the biggest tramways, and each car can hold up to 120 people.
You can use it to get to the park easily or enjoy awesome views of the Smoky Mountains!
Wildlife Encounter ($10 per adult, $7 per child)
See black bears, otters, bobcats, and more at the Wildlife Encounter in Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park! Inside the Nocturnal House, you can see Smoky Mountains wildlife like skunks, raccoons, flying squirrels, turtles, and snakes.
You can also check out birds of prey in the outdoor flight enclosures. The Wildlife Encounter was made so people can look closely at native animals in a safe place.
Carousel
Ober Gatlinburg has a restaurant and places to grab a quick bite. You can choose from The Fudge Shop, The Market, or the Sidewalk Cafe for pizza, burgers, or snacks. Seasons of Ober Restaurant has appetizers, steaks, chicken, pork, and more if you want a full meal.
Summer activities at Ober Gatlinburg
Chair swing ($4 per person)
A classic ride at the carnival that makes you feel like you’re flying through the air!
Trails at Ober ($20 per person)
Ober Gatlinburg has 10 slopes for everyone, whether you’re new to snow sports or a big fan. The slopes come in different lengths and steepness. You can start on the easier ones and work up for a day of fun challenges.
The trail map helps you find your way with colored lifts and numbered trails. To warm up:
- Begin on Cub Way, an easy slope.
- Try the more exciting ones like Ober Chute and Yeti’s Run by taking the black lift.
- If you’re really good, go for the advanced runs like Mogul Ridge (9) and Grizzly for the ultimate winter challenge at Ober Gatlinburg!
Amaze’n Maze ($4 per person)
This maze with paths and obstacles is a fun competition for the whole family. When you enter, you get a passport. Try to reach different checkpoints to collect stamps while racing against the clock.
Going through fall corn mazes is a fun tradition, and Ober Gatlinburg’s Amaze’n Maze is no exception. The maze changes every year, so you’ll still be surprised even if you’ve done it before!
Water raft rides ($4 per person)
Go up the tower to Blue Cyclone Rapids and hold on tight to your raft! From 60 feet high, you’ll go as fast as 30 mph on the enclosed slide for 600 feet.
Summer Tubing ($4 per person)
In the summer, snow tubing turns into summer tubing! Instead of going down a snowy hill, riders can slide down one of four 250-foot slides. Summer tubing is one of the favorite things to do at Ober Gatlinburg.
To create a snow-like sliding experience, they use a special mat on the lanes. This allows you to repeatedly zoom down the hill and enjoy the thrill.
Spring Activities At Ober Gatlinburg
Kiddie Rides ($4 for all day)
A great spot for kids and youngsters to have fun! There’s a cool play area with slides, tunnels, ladders, and a swinging bridge. Your ticket is good for the whole day!
Rock Wall ($4 per person)
Try out the latest attraction – a 30-foot rock wall. It’s fun and a good workout for people of all ages. Up to five people can climb the wall together in each session, and they’ll be safely attached to a special system.
See how quickly you can climb from the bottom to the top! After reaching the top, enjoy coming down with rappelling, and feel proud of your achievements.
Alpine Slide ($10 per person)
The Alpine Slide is super fun at Ober Gatlinburg! First, take the Scenic Chairlift halfway up. Then, get into a cart like a sled, and you can control how fast you go as you zoom down a 1,800-foot track.
Snow Tubing (early spring only, $30-35 per person)
Everyone aged 3+ can have a blast on Ober’s snow tubing lanes! Each tubing session lasts 90 minutes, and a lift will always carry you back to the top of the slope. You get your snow tube to ride. Kids enjoy racing each other and their parents on the side-by-side slopes.
If you’re 3 to 5 years old, you must ride with a parent or another responsible adult. Kids 6 or older and at least 3 and a half feet tall can ride alone.
Ski Mountain Coaster ($16 per adult, $12 per child)
Get ready for an exciting adventure on Ober Gatlinburg’s Ski Mountain Coaster! It’s a thrilling ride with a twisting track almost 3,750 feet long. The journey lasts over five minutes and starts with a scenic climb of 1,000 feet to the top of the mountain.
Once you reach the summit, you can control the speed of your coaster sled as you zoom down, twisting and turning through loops and curves. It’s a highlight of your vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Fall activities at Ober Gatlinburg
It’s a fantastic time to take a ride on the Aerial Tramway. The best part is that many of Ober Gatlinburg’s attractions (explained earlier) are open in the fall. Just make sure to check the website for more details as you plan your trip.
Winter activities at Ober Gatlinburg
Skiing and Snowboarding
At Ober Gatlinburg, there are ten great trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you’re new to these sports, you have to take lessons. They also have lessons for anyone who wants a refresher. There are easy trails for beginners, medium for those with some experience, and tough for advanced folks.
No matter which you pick, there are lifts to take you back up for another fun ride. You can bring your gear or rent everything you need right there.
Cubbies snow zone
Cubbie’s Snow Zone is a special place just for kids who are 4 feet tall or under and need to be with an adult. It’s a safe and fun area for little ones to play in the snow. If you’re a parent with small kids, you should check it out at Ober Gatlinburg!
Terrain Park
Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain (OGFT) started in the 2009/2010 season. Every year since then, it has grown, making more snow, improving how they build things, and adding more tricks.
Imagine a skatepark on snowy hills – the super cool Terrain Park at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park. They have regular competitions there, and it’s in the middle part of Castle Run.
There’s a smooth pipe, a flat rail, and other fun stuff like in a skatepark. You can slide down the rails on a snowboard or watch from the side, enjoying the cool tricks and sometimes not-so-perfect attempts!
Winter Events at Ober Gatlinburg
Here are some winter events held at Ober Gatlinburg:
Church On the Slopes
- Every Sunday
- Perfect for locals and visiting church groups who don’t want to miss church services. Enjoy a special worship service while on the slopes.
Ladies Nights Ober Gatlinburg Snowboarding
- Dates: 02/09, 03/02
- Receive free ski area Night Passes by bringing in non-perishable food items or making a $10 donation to the Sevier County Food Ministry.
College Nights
- Dates: 02/11, 03/04
- Get free ski area Night Passes by bringing non-perishable food items or making a $10 donation to the Sevier County Food Ministry.
Dining and Shopping
You’re in for lots of fun whenever you go to Ober Gatlinburg! Besides the rides and cool things to do, there are also interesting shops and places to eat!
Shopping at Ober Gatlinburg
When you go shopping at Ober Gatlinburg, you can find some cool stuff:
- The Pepper Palace: They have awesome hot sauces, salsas, and seasonings.
- The Silver Galleon: You can get beautiful Native American jewelry here.
- Leather Shop: They sell really good leather coats, shoes, and more.
- Puzzled: There’s a big selection of puzzles and games.
- Beer Necessities: If you like beer, they have unique gifts for you.
- Green River Gallery: You can buy local artwork and photos.
Dining at Ober Gatlinburg
When it comes to eating, Ober Gatlinburg has something for everyone:
- Seasons: A restaurant with American-style steak and great views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Sidewalk Cafe: You can get favorites like burgers and pizza while watching people skate on the ice rink.
- The Ober Lounge: They have different kinds of beers, spirits, and wine.
- Fudge Shop: They make delicious homemade fudge.
- Grind Haus: You can get coffee, special drinks, tasty pastries, and baked goods.
Tips for Visiting Ober Gatlinburg
Planning is key to maximizing your visit. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Best Time to Visit: Ober Gatlinburg is beautiful year-round but consider your preferred activities when booking your trip.
- Ticket Prices and Discounts: Check online for the latest ticket prices and potential discounts or seasonal passes.
- Important Things to Know: Weather can be unpredictable; dress appropriately and prepare for changes. Also, note that ski rentals require a deposit.
Additional Tips: Beat the crowds by arriving early and consider taking advantage of multi-day passes to fully savor everything Ober Gatlinburg has to offer.
Conclusion
Ober Gatlinburg, now Ober Mountain, is a year-round destination for fun and adventure. Whether you’re into skiing and snowboarding in winter or exciting rides in summer, Ober Mountain has something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse attractions, and exciting events, paired with dining and shopping options, it’s the perfect spot for families and visitors alike.
Plan your visit, explore the tips, and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty and excitement that Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park offers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does Ober Gatlinburg mean?
The word ‘Ober’ in German means ‘upper’ or ‘top of,’ so Ober Gatlinburg translates to ‘Upper Gatlinburg.’
Q2: What happened to Ober Gatlinburg?
Ober Gatlinburg is still a popular and thriving destination in Gatlinburg, offering a variety of activities and attractions. It has evolved over the years to include both winter and summer activities.
Q3: Does Ober Gatlinburg use fake snow?
Yes, Ober Gatlinburg uses artificial snowmaking techniques to maintain its ski slopes, ensuring visitors a consistent and enjoyable experience.
Q4: Is Ober Gatlinburg worth the money?
Ober Gatlinburg offers visitors a wide range of activities, making it a worthwhile destination. The value of money depends on individual preferences and the activities one enjoys.
Q5: What does Ober Gatlinburg have?
Ober Gatlinburg offers a range of attractions, including skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, the Aerial Tramway, wildlife encounters, a carousel, and various summer activities like chair swings, water raft rides, and more.
Q6: When is the Best Time to Go Skiing at Ober?
The best time to go skiing at Ober is in January and February. These months are the coldest and snowiest, and most slopes are open during this time. You might even get to experience natural powder snow!
Moreover, the temperatures are low enough during this period for the slopes to be regularly groomed, and it’s easy to make new snow.
Q7: Why is Ober Gatlinburg changing its name?
Ober Gatlinburg changed its name to Ober Mountain in 2022. The change was because new owners, led by Joe Baker, wanted to give the resort a fresh look and bring their ideas to the destination. The change in ownership played a key role in deciding to rename it Ober Mountain.
Q8: When Does Ski Season at Ober End?
Ski season at Ober Gatlinburg typically closes in early March. However, the season could be extended for another month or more if the weather stays cold enough.
During the event, skiers try to glide across the pond at the end of their descent down the mountain. It usually results in a big splash, making it a great time for everyone. There are also plenty of vendors with gear at the event.
