Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Ski Vacation Guide

The Smoky Mountains have a unique quality about them, some inexplicable difference from every other mountain range on the continent. Tennessee is well known for them, but most tourists have never thought about skiing the Smokies. Lucky for us, some folks in Gatlinburg thought it might just be a good idea, and more than 40 years ago, Ober Gatlinburg was born. From the start, it's clear that there's something refreshingly different about this resort, a can-do perspective combined with southern hospitality and great deals. The staff and people visiting make you feel at home and the surrounding area gives you plenty to do when not up on the mountain. 

Ski Levels

When you get off of the tram, you'll be at the village with an amusement park and huge indoor skating rink, rentals, and three dining options. There are two quad chairlifts. The first, a double called Scenic Lift, carries you to the peak of a separate mountain, a very long, moderate intermediate trail that could form some huge mogul fields, or make for one wicked fast tucked slalom run. The double chair after it also heads in that direction, but only goes partway up. One of the quad chairs takes you up the mountain, where the rest of the trails are located. While the Red Quad further up the mountain, to the left as you come out of the village area, takes guests partway up the nearest mountain, to the top of a wide glen part way down a black diamond trail. This mountain has a mix of all levels, from beginner to advanced, with two black-diamond runs.

The ride up the quad lifts is brief, enjoyable, and picturesque. The chairs move people through pretty quickly, so the lines are minimal. Over the course of a day, you'll get at least a few more runs in that way. At the top, you'll have only one trail to go down, but at the first fork, you'll need to pick your poison. The path to the right takes you irretrievably to a black diamond trail, Grizzly. The left takes you towards the other black diamond run, but if you stay left at the next fork as well, you'll have avoided it and chosen an Intermediate trail, Bear Run, instead of Mogul Ridge. As you approach the base of either of the black diamond choices, you'll come upon a wide open area, presumably for play and Intermediate skiers.

Après Ski

If reviewers' comments are to be relied upon, the 45 people polled gave the mountain four out of five possible stars in all categories except Family, where it earned a solid five stars across the board. Not too shabby for a little resort in the Smoky Mountains, eh? If you're going to be in the area, you'll definitely want to treat yourself to the Ober Gatlinburg ski experience. The entire Gatlinburg area is a midwestern treat for any family. With plenty of restaurants, theme-park activities, and on-mountain winter fun, this is one of the most family friendly resort areas in the county. 

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Snowboard Vacation Guide


Riders Guide

At the Ober Gatlinburg snowboarding facilities, you can enjoy eight different ski trails, which are serviced by one double chairlift and two quads. This makes it possible for the facility to move 6000 people per hour. Seven of the trails are tree lined and one is open. The summit elevation reaches 3,300 feet while the base elevation is 2,700 feet. You can enjoy a vertical drop of 600 feet and the longest run is 5,000 feet.

The Ober Gatlinburg snowboarding facility offers two beginner runs, one being Alpine Way with a 2,600 foot length and a 279 vertical drop. The other is Bear Run, which has a 3,200 foot length and a 393 foot vertical drop. There are four intermediate runs, one being Castle Run. This run has a 1,100 foot length and a 163 foot vertical drop. Cub Way is 1,800 feet long and has a 163 foot vertical drop while Grizzly- an advanced run – is 3,800 long and has a 556 foot vertical drop. Mogul Ridge is also advanced and has a 300 foot length and a 235 foot vertical drop.

Parks and Pipes

In addition to boarding, you can enjoy indoor ice skating at the Ober Gatlinburg snowboarding facilities. Or, enjoy a ride on the scenic chairlift or take a trip on Americas largest aerial tramway.

Out of Bounds

Night skiing is available on all of the trails except Grizzly if you are looking for a bit of extra action. Gatlinburg is also in the heart of Smoky Mountain country. Therefore, there are plenty of out of bounds options in the area and its surrounding mountains.

Hangout & Hookup

There are plenty of dining opportunities available at the Ober Gatlinburg snowboarding facility. These include snack bars, cafes, food cards, lounges, and restaurants. Here, you can feed your hunger while also getting to know other boarders. Since the Ober Gatlinburg snowboarding facility is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you have plenty of places to hang out in Gatlinburg as well. In fact, Gatlinburg is quite the tourist attraction and offers plenty of fun museums, sites, and attractions in which you can keep busy and meet new people.

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