Ski Tennessee – Ober Gatlinburg Skiing and Snowboarding
Since 1962, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort has been offering some of the best skiing in Tennessee and in recent years the resort has expanded to welcome snowboarders to the runs as well as added a Freestyle Terrain Park. The resort offers great skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels and all of the services you expect from a top-notch ski destination.
Trails at Ober Gatlinburg Resort
The resort offers nine different trails to choose from. Two easy beginner slopes to get started on, five intermediate slopes offering moderate difficulty levels and two advanced slopes to test your skills. The Ski School beginner slope includes a teaching area for first-time skiers and snowboarders to learn the basics and Cub Way offers a second slope where those skills can be practiced.
Of the five intermediate slopes, Ober Chute is the longest at 4,400 feet, while Castle Run offers the quickest run with 1,100 feet. The two advanced slopes are Grizzly, with a 556-foot vertical drop, and the 300-foot ungroomed Mogul Ridge.
There are lifts consisting of four quads, two doubles and a surface lift for the Ski School slope to make sure that skiers don't face a long wait to get to the top and can enjoy the slopes. Ober Gatlinburg employs snow machines whenever the temperatures allow, ensuring plenty of the white stuff for your skiing or snowboarding pleasure.
Ski and snowboard equipment rentals are available at the resort and there is also a full service store, Ski Mountain Sports, where you can purchase anything you might need. As you can see, when you ski Tennessee – Ober Gatlinburg skiing and snowboarding offer many options.
Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Snowboarding and More
In addition to the slopes, snowboarders will enjoy the Freestyle Terrain Park, which opened for the 2009/2010 season and has recently been expanded to include additional rails, boxes and snow features. The Terrain Park is serviced by one of the resort's double lifts, making it easy to access.
Ober Gatlinburg also has a snow tubing run that is fun for the entire family and a great choice for those who aren't quite ready for the slopes or just want to take a break from skiing and snowboarding. Ages three and up are welcome on the tubing slope. Kids three to five can ride with an adult, and kids over six can enjoy snow tubing solo. For small children, there is also the Cubbies Snow Zone, a special place to enjoy some winter fun, even if you aren't quite old enough to tackle skiing.
Activities at Ober Gatlinburg
When you take a break from the slopes, you will find plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Ride the Aerial Tramway or the Scenic Chairlift to enjoy an incredible, panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. Slip on some ice skates and practice your figure eights on the large indoor ice arena in the Mall at the Resort. The Wildlife Encounter gets you up close and personal with local animals, including black bears and river otters.
Ober Gatlinburg also offers shopping and dining options, including the Lodge's restaurant and lounge, which features a large, wood-burning fireplace and menu options for kids. There are also a number of other options, including the Sidewalk Café overlooking the ice skating arena. The shopping at the Lodge offers plenty of options for souvenirs, as well as boutiques, such as a year-round Christmas shop.
Gatlinburg cabin rentals are a popular lodging option for families and large groups to experience the real Tennessee, along with many hotels and resorts in the Gatlinburg area as well.
Rated among the best ski destinations in the Southeast, Ober Gatlinburg is a family ski destination that welcomes all skill levels and provides activities and entertainment for everyone.
About the Author
Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004, and currently manages content including travel ideas for HomeAway. She also manages a household of three dogs, a cat, two chickens, and a brand new baby with her husband. She's written for USA Today's travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheapo Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista, Travellogged.com, and many more sites.
Photo credits - all photos from Ober Gatlinburg Facebook page (Photo 1 ; Photo 2 ; Photo 3)