(0)A getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without spending time in the great outdoors. No matter the season, enjoy beautiful weather — from warm, sunny days to crisp, cool afternoons to snowy, brisk evenings. You can lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails in the country’s most visited national park (800+ miles), bring your fishing pole and spend a relaxing day along the waters’ edge, explore historic buildings along the Cades Cove loop, picnic by a stream, or just enjoy a peaceful morning breathing in the fresh mountain air from your cabin’s deck. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN, the opportunities for outdoor fun are endless!
While there are many great ways to unwind outside in the Smokies, what better way to spend a gorgeous Smoky Mountain day than at Ober Gatlinburg? As an Amusement Park and Ski Area, Ober boasts a plethora of exciting outdoor (and indoor) activities. One attraction that will really get the kids excited — and make you feel like a kid again — is the Alpine Slide! Built in 1976, this slide has carried smiling passengers from beginning to end for more than 40 years, and it’s still a star attraction at Ober. Channel your inner wild side (or should we say wild slide?) and coast down Mount Harrison, watching enchanting forest views pass by along the way.
Journey to the Top
Sounds like fun! Now…how do I get to the top of the Ober Gatlinburg’s Alpine Slide? Why you take the Scenic Chairlift, of course, as walking’s out of the question. Transporting you, family, and friends from the base of the slope to the loading dock, this scenic ride only adds to the Alpine Slide experience. As you journey upwards with ease, feel free to snap shots of the breathtaking landscape all around. Once you arrive, get ready to board your sled and speed 1,800 feet to the bottom on 2 side-by-side tracks — creating a whirlwind of adventure!
Race or Pace to the Bottom!
Whether you want to take a peaceful cruise down the picturesque mountainside or dash at warp speed to the bottom like an Olympic bobsledder, the choice is up to you on the Alpine Slide! Each sled is equipped with a braking device (no special skills required) so visitors have the luxury of deciding between a slow or speedy descent. Ober Gatlinburg encourages everyone — from adrenaline junkies to low-key vacationers — to come check out their Alpine Slide, because it’s guaranteed to be a great experience you won’t soon forget. As you coast down the mountainside, you’ll have tree-studded views and the wind in your hair. You can even glance above for views of other guests heading up the Scenic Chairlift!
Safety Guidelines
The Alpine Slide at Ober Gatlinburg considers guest safety as their top priority. To ensure a safe and fun ride for everyone, there are a few things to remember:
- The Alpine Slide may close during rainy or snowy conditions.
- Kids 6 years old and under must ride with a paid adult (18+ years).
- All Alpine Slide riders must be able to walk.
- Secure shoes are indeed required.
- Guests must be able to properly fit their individual sled.
Other than these few guidelines, the Alpine Slide at Ober Gatlinburg is a must-do for those enjoying our Cabins for YOU in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. The experience is ultimately about having fun and doing something out of the ordinary to cross off your bucket list and make your already fantastic stay in the Great Smoky Mountains that much more memorable!
Pricing + Operating Hours
Open daily from 10:00 – 5:00 p.m., we’re happy to report the Alpine Slide is not only easily accessible but also very affordable — only $7 (or 2 attraction tickets) per person. Or, you can slide as many times as you like with a wristband (prices vary by season), which includes multiple Gatlinburg attractions at around $22 per adult and $19 per child (ages 5-11).
More Than the Alpine Slide
While you’re at Ober Gatlinburg, you can also ride on the Aerial Tramway (for amazing up-high views of the Great Smoky Mountains), go ice skating inside year-round, meet adorable animals (including bears and otters!) at the Wildlife Encounter, wind your way through the Amaze’n Maze, play miniature golf, let the kids explore Kiddie Land, or splash around on the Blu Cyclone waterslide!
When you’re done, head inside to treat yourself to a mountaintop meal at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant, dance and grab a drink at The Loft Lounge, get a creamy and sweet treat at The Fudge Shop, or do some shopping. You can get ski gear, Ober Gatlinburg duds, toys and books for the kids, leather goods, jewelry, and even items personalized with your family crest.
And don’t forget to plan a winter getaway to Gatlinburg so you can do some skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during Ober Gatlinburg’s winter season. All their exciting activities are great ways to enjoy time with loved ones in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway, Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.5423
800.251.9202 (toll free)