Tennessee Ski Vacations

If you’re looking to do some skiing in Tennessee, you have one option – though it’s a great one for family fun. Ober Gatlinburg located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the only ski resort in the state. It is more than just a ski resort, though, it is a total family vacation spot complete with an alpine slide, an amusement park, indoor ice skating, a bungee tower, and many other activities and attractions – there is something fun for everyone here.

As for the skiing area, Ober Gatlinburg has a top elevation of 3,301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600 feet. You’ll find eight trails on the mountain consisting of two beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. The trails are accessible by two quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The ski season runs from the middle of December through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School. You can also easily find food at the many food carts and snack bars, and you can also stop in at the café, the restaurant, or in the lounge for a relaxing meal or just a quick snack.

There are many great attractions here, and one attraction at Ober Gatlinburg that is not to be missed is the longest chair lift ride in the south! You will see breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will also get a bird’s eye view of some of the slopes, and you can have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don’t ski, don’t worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the chair lift as well.

Also, don’t forget to catch some beautiful scenery on the Gatlinburg Tramway, which is one of the largest aerial tramways in the U.S. The tramway departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you to the ski resort and the amusement park.

Even if you don’t ski, you can still experience the thrill of flying down a mountain at a high speed – or a slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1,800 feet long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, indoor ice skating, water rides, a bungee jump, a water race, go karts, Kiddie Land, an arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking – especially if you have younger kids or senior citizens traveling with you.