While Winter may have the reputation of slowing down and staying in, Gatlinburg’s distinction as a four-season destination rings true. With snow-covered slopes and an ice rink for all the spins and twirls your heart desires, there are plenty of ways to get up and get active this Winter season. With everything from ski school for beginners to challenging ski slopes for the experts, you don’t have to be a pro-athlete to enjoy Winter Sports in Gatlinburg.
We have the Ice, Ice, Baby
Taking the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is an adventure of its own. After a two-mile scenic tram ride to the top, lovers of Winter are greeted with a plethora of things to do at Ober Gatlinburg. Including, lacing up your skates at Ober’s indoor ice rink! A frozen wonderland for kids and adults alike, a large ice arena awaits for you to show off all your best spins and twirls. If you’re not quite ready to glide gracefully, located on one end of the rink are ice bumper cars, perfect for family-friendly fun. Did we mention the ice rink is surrounded by a variety of specialty shops and dining options? A shopping spree and a bite from the Sidewalk Café may just be in order after your wintery workout.
Slide and Glide
If your type of Winter sport is just a bit more laid back, snow tubing is perfect for you! With a 350-foot long slope with a 50 foot drop, you’re sure to get a thrill flying down Mount Harrison. The best part is, there’s no trek back to the top when you inevitably want to slide again. Ober Gatlinburg has the “magic carpet”, a propelled outdoor escalator that will bring you right back to the top with ease. Snow tubing tickets sell out quickly on weekends and during holidays, however, so if you want to appear a seasoned snow tuber, make sure you purchase your tickets in advance.
Hit the Slopes
A fun fact all Winter enthusiasts will enjoy – Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in Tennessee. Offering 10 slopes for beginners all the way to advanced skiers and snowboarders, the park easily accommodates those at various comfort levels in the snow. The Ski Area also offers a Freestyle Terrain Park, a culmination of various natural and man-made challenges to show off your best freestyle moves. Before you reach that level though, you should probably brush up on your skill if you’re not an expert skier. Ski lessons are available onsite, too and who knows... you may just be the next Lindsay Vonn or Shawn White.