The time has come! Get in your closets and dig out your puffy winter coats, your mittens and gloves, your knitted hats, and some warm, thick socks. It’s time to head to Ober Gatlinburg for some fun in the winter sun on the ski slopes!
According to the most current slope report released by Ober Gatlinburg, the ski slopes are now open for the season and should remain open until about mid-March. Slopes that are open as of January 2016 include Ober Chute, Yeti’s Run, Mogul, Ridge, Upper Bear, Lower Bear, Cub Way, Castle Run, and Ski School.
Lower Bear is also open with 8 Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain Park features, including Small Jump, Flat Box, Lift Tower Rail, Rainbow Box, Battleship Box, Smooth Pipe, Dance Pad, and C-Box.
All the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg are machine groomed except for Mogul Ridge. But remember that conditions can change due to weather, skier traffic, and other factors. You should check in for an up-to-date weather report and slope report before you head to the mountain by visiting the Ober Gatlinburg website.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Ober
Ober Gatlinburg is a great place to bring the family for skiing and snowboarding in the South. If you’ve never been before, no problem! Ober Gatlinburg has all the equipment you need available for rent—they even have helmets, jackets, and pants in adult and children’s sizes. (Trust me, their rental equipment comes in handy when you’re not used to packing winter gear!)
For first-timers at Ober Gatlinburg, keep in mind that it’s mandatory for you to take a group ski or snowboard class. The classes are $19 per person, and there’s a separate class for children ages 4 to 8. If you would feel more comfortable with a one-on-one setting, try a private lesson for $60. All lessons are 1 hour each, and you’ll feel much more comfortable in your skis or on your snowboard once you finish them!
When you’re ready to hit the slopes, Ober Gatlinburg offers a variety of ticket options:
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Full Session Weekday Ticket – $36 for adults; $30 for juniors and seniors (good for the 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. session on Mondays through Thursdays or the 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. session on Fridays)
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Full Session Weekend/Holiday Ticket – $65 for adults; $55 for juniors and seniors (good for the 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. session on Saturdays and holidays)
You can also purchase a Twilight Session Ticket (good for the 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. session), a Night Ticket (good for the 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. session), a Two-Day Pass, or a Three-Day Pass. Visit Ober Gatlinburg’s Skiing & Snowboarding page for more information.
Other Wintertime Activities
Just so you know, skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only exciting wintertime activities you’ll find at Ober Gatlinburg. If you’re looking for other ways to entertain the family on top of the mountain, check out these family-friendly activities:
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Snow Tubing—Enjoy a 90-minute session on the slopes with no experience necessary at the Snow Tubing attraction at Ober. This is a great option for kids who aren’t old enough to ski yet. Children as young as 3 can ride with their parents for a fun slide down the slopes!
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Ski Mountain Coaster—Open year-round, the new Ski Mountain Coaster sits just below the peak of Mt. Harrison in the Smokies. You’ll enjoy a wild ride through the mountains that covers approximately 3,750 feet! Tickets are $15 per ride for ages 3 and up. You can also buy 3 rides for $36 if you know you’ll want to ride it again.
- Indoor Ice Skating—For only $9, you can enjoy a 3-hour session on the ice at the Ober Gatlinburg indoor skate rink. This is a much more affordable option for families sticking to a budget while they’re in town. The ticket price includes your full 3 hours on the ice, as well as your skate rental.