Ober Gatlinburg, which initially opened over 50 years ago, is a popular mountaintop destination complete with an aerial tramway, alpine slide, ski slopes, amusement park, ice skating, wildlife, and much more. The wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities has continued to make Ober Gatlinburg popular with visitors in spite of its somewhat outdated appearance. The majority of the attractions range in price or you can buy an unlimited wristband for the day. If you can get past the 1970s appearance, the following activities are fun for families:
Current Ober Gatlinburg Rates:
- Tram Only (Ages 5+): $29
- Wristband (Ages 5-59): $49
- Wristband (Ages 60+): $39
- All Activities (Ages 4 and Under): FREE
Aerial Tramway
The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway has a station located in downtown Gatlinburg at Traffic Light #9 and a second station located on the peak of Mount Harrison. The tram, which is the largest aerial tramway in the United States, transports approximately 8 million visitors each year between downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg.
Scenic Chairlift
The chairlift at Ober Gatlinburg runs year-around and provides outrageous views of the surrounding mountains. In addition to the incredible scenery, a Bluegrass band performs daily between Memorial Day and Thanksgiving at the top of the chairlift.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Snow Tubing & Summer Tubing
Are you looking for a great activity, but don’t know how to ski and are tired of the swimming pool? Ober Gatlinburg’s tubing options are a great option for you! During the winter time, you’re able to tube down the snowy hill with your family.
During the summer, they have slides that you go down that make for extreme fun. Children (4+) and adults alike are sure to enjoy the 250′-300′ long tubing park with an exciting 50′ drop!
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Alpine Slide
Are you ready for all of the thrills of bobsledding in any season? If so, the 1,800’ Alpine Slide is sure to please. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of the surroundings Smoky Mountains as they scream down parallel 1,800’ tracks.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Chair Swings
Photo Credit by @obermountain on Instagram
Spinning at 10 miles per hour, the little ones will love going round and round on Ober Gatlinburg’s chair swings. Lift up to 5 feet in the air and enjoy the Smoky Mountain views. This is a particular favorite with young ones, but parents can also enjoy the chair swings with their kiddos.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wildlife Encounter:
Photo Credit by @escape.photos.dan on Instagram
If you and your family want to finally get a glimpse of that elusive black bear, Ober Gatlinburg’s Wildlife Encounter provides the perfect opportunity. You are guaranteed to spot the Smoky Mountains’ most famous resident here! The encounter is complete with bear cubs, river otters, flying squirrels, turtles, raccoons, snakes, and birds of prey.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ice Skating
Ober Gatlinburg’s 140’ by 75’ indoor ice skating arena is open year around and located within the huge Ober Gatlinburg mall at the summit. Don’t have your own pair of skates? No worries. The rink has over 400 pairs available for guests.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ice Bumper Cars
You don’t have to know how to ice skate to have a thrilling time in the skating rink. Try out some ice bumper cars and have a thrilling time with friends and family. Control your bumper car and zoom around the rink while you’re in the area.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Snow Skiing or Boarding
Photo Credit by @mkoutureboutique on Instagram
If you’re a fan of snowboarding or skiing, then Ober Gatlinburg has some great hills during the winter time to get your fill. Grab your board or skiis and head for the mountain and enjoy some of the tracks that the area has to offer.
Check out this slope report that offers slope and lift details and a trail map.
Ski Mountain Coaster:
Race down the mountain on the Ski Mountain Coaster! This adventure lasts over 5 minutes and promises an exciting journey as you twist and turn through the lush foliage.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Downhill Mountain Biking
Photo Credit by @marisa_rios314 on Instagram
The chairlift gets you and your bike to the top of the mountain so that you can race on down and enjoy the mountain breeze. If you don’t have your own bike, Ober offers helmet, bike, and pad equipment rentals for a safe ride. There is an option included with your payment of a wristband, but you can also buy a lesson and a season pass (which is about $299.)
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Carousel
Another favorite for the little one’s, the traditional carousel is waiting at Ober Gatlinburg! Hop on a little pony or chair and go round and round while you gaze at the sparkling lights and listen to the welcoming music. Kids must be over 36″ tall to ride solo on the carousel.
Days and Hours of Operation:
– Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Need a Map of Ober Gatlinburg?
Insider Tips:
If the ride from the aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg (roundtrip) seems too expensive, avoid the charges by driving up. Drive past the downtown aerial tramway station to Parkway Light #10 and turn onto Ski Mountain Road. Stay on Ski Mountain Road for approximately 3 miles and it will dead-end at Ober Gatlinburg. Parking will set you back $8 per vehicle and is limited.