Ober Gatlinburg tram in the Smokies

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Gateway to the beautiful Smoky Mountains, offers numerous attractions many of which provide tremendous mountain views. One of the best views can be enjoyed via a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. This scenic cable car ride takes passengers up 2.1 miles through the beautiful Tennessee mountains up to a 2813 foot mountaintop park. Each season offers its’ own unique setting, from the striking colors of autumn to majestic snow capped mountains after a winter storm.

At the mountaintop, a multitude of activities await guests of all ages including: snow tubing, indoor ice skating, skiing, wildlife encounters, restaurants, shopping, and more! Ober Gatlinburg is an ideal place for beginning skiers due to the variety of terrain.

Ice skating

The huge indoor skate arena measures 140 by 75. A 3 hour session is just 10 bucks and includes skate rentals. The nice thing about this rink is that it is open year-round. Skating not only burns a ton of calories, but makes for a nice cool escape on a hot, humid Tennessee summer afternoon!

Update: Skating is now available as part of an all day wristband packages (which includes the tram) for $49 per person.

Ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg in the Smokies

Skiing

Ober Gatlinburg is home to the state’s only ski resort. For this reason alone, the resort can get pretty busy each winter season. A view of the ski slopes (Ober offers 100% snowmaking on all their slopes). There are 10 trails available including 2 beginner options.

Ski hill at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg Directions & Additional Info

Ober Gatlinburg is located at 1001 Parkway #2 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A round trip ride on the Aerial Tramway is $29 per person (check travel brochures for a $1 off coupon). A special wristband which includes all activities plus the tram can also be purchased for an extra 20 bucks. The tram operates year-round from 9:40am-9:00pm, 7 days a week. Ticket sales end a half hour prior to closing.

Where to stay

Consider booking a stay at Timber Tops Cabin rentals. After dealing with the hustle and bustle in Gatlinburg, it’s nice to come back to a quiet place. These cozy cabins offer all sorts of amenities – some include hot tubs, pool tables, game rooms, a deck overlooking the mountains, etc.