Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a mountaintop ski area and adventure park high above downtown Gatlinburg. In winter, it's all about skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The rest of the year, the mountain fills up with coasters, ziplines, mountain biking, and more, and ice skating and the black bear habitat are open all year. Getting there is part of the fun: an aerial tram carries you straight up from the Parkway.

Getting to Ober Gatlinburg

The aerial tram

The easiest way up is the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, which leaves from the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and climbs about two miles to the mountaintop, with views of the Smokies and the town below the whole way.

Driving up

You can also drive up Ski Mountain Road to the mountaintop at 1339 Ski Mountain Road. It's a winding mountain road, so take it slow, especially in winter.

Skiing and snow fun in winter

When cold weather arrives, Ober becomes a ski area with trails from beginner to advanced, chairlifts, and snowmaking to help keep the slopes covered. Lessons and rentals are available for skiers and snowboarders of every level, so it's a good place to try skiing for the first time. Not a skier? Snow tubing is a family favorite, with lanes and a lift back to the top.

The ski season depends on the weather, so check obergatlinburg.com for current conditions and opening dates before you plan your trip. Want to know when snow is most likely in town? See our guide to the best time to go to Gatlinburg for snow.

Things to do year-round

Ice skating

The indoor ice rink is open all year, so you can skate in July as easily as in January.

Black bear habitat

See black bears and other native wildlife up close at the mountaintop habitat, a favorite with kids.

Coasters and slides

Control your own speed on the Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster, or ride the Alpine Slide down the mountain.

Ziplining and mountain biking

Fly down the mountain on the zipline, or in the warmer months, ride the lifts up and bike down the downhill mountain bike trails, with rentals available.

More for the family

You'll also find kids' rides, games, shops, and places to eat on the mountaintop. Some attractions are seasonal, so check what's running before you go.

Seasonal events

Ober hosts events through the year, including its fall Oktoberfest celebration with food, drinks, and music. Check obergatlinburg.com for current event dates. Fall is a busy time in Gatlinburg, so book your fall cabin early.

Tickets

Ober sells individual activity tickets as well as passes that bundle several attractions. Ski lift tickets, rentals, and lessons are sold separately in winter. Tram tickets are available at the tram station downtown. Prices and pass options change by season, so check obergatlinburg.com for current rates and buy ahead when you can.

Tips for your visit

Take the tram — it's scenic, and it saves you from driving and parking on the mountain.

Check what's open — some attractions run only in summer and others only in winter, while ice skating and the bear habitat are open all year.

Book ski lessons early — beginner lessons fill up on busy winter weekends.

Arrive early in winter — the slopes and tubing lanes get busy by mid-morning on weekends.

Plan for winter roads — mountain roads and steep cabin driveways can get icy. If you're not comfortable driving in snow, call us at 1-800-371-0341 and we'll help you choose a cabin with easier access.

Nearby

After a day on the mountain, head back to downtown Gatlinburg. Ride the gondola to Anakeesta, cross the SkyBridge at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, or start the morning with breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp. For more snow fun any time of year, try Pigeon Forge Snow. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ober Gatlinburg open year-round?

Yes. Skiing and snow tubing run in winter, while ice skating, the black bear habitat, and the aerial tram are open all year. Other attractions vary by season.

Is Ober Gatlinburg the same as Ober Mountain?

Yes. The park was called Ober Mountain for a few years after new owners took over in 2022, and it went back to its original name, Ober Gatlinburg, in 2026.

How do you get to Ober Gatlinburg?

Ride the aerial tram from the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, or drive up Ski Mountain Road to the mountaintop.

Can beginners ski at Ober Gatlinburg?

Yes. Ober has beginner trails, lessons, and rentals for first-time skiers and snowboarders.

When is ski season?

Skiing runs during the winter months, depending on the weather. Check obergatlinburg.com for current conditions and dates.

Is there snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg?

Yes. Snow tubing is a winter favorite for families, with a lift back to the top.

Are there things to do for young kids?

Yes. Kids love ice skating, the black bear habitat, kids' rides, and snow tubing in winter.