Ober Mountain
About
Ober Mountain is Gatlinburg's ultimate year-round mountain playground where families can experience everything from an exciting aerial tramway ride to alpine slides, ice skating, and a wildlife encounter,all at 8,400 feet elevation with stunning Smoky Mountain views. Winter transforms it into a full ski resort, while summer offers amusement rides and activities that keep kids entertained for hours.
Highlights
- ✓120-passenger aerial tramway with panoramic Smoky Mountain views
- ✓Alpine slide and mountain coaster for thrilling downhill rides
- ✓Year-round indoor ice skating arena
- ✓Wildlife Encounter with native animals including black bears and river otters
- ✓Winter skiing and snowboarding with lessons available for beginners
Pro Tips
- 1.Take the iconic aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg for a 2.1-mile scenic ride that kids love,it doubles as both transportation and an attraction.
- 2.Purchase an activity bundle or all-day pass if planning to do multiple attractions, as it's significantly cheaper than paying individually.
- 3.Visit the Wildlife Encounter early in your trip when kids are fresh,the black bears, otters, and birds of prey are a huge hit with younger children.
- 4.Bring layers regardless of season, as it's typically 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than in downtown Gatlinburg.
- 5.Weekday visits in non-summer months mean shorter lines for the alpine slide and other popular attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) in spring or fall for the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Summer weekends get very busy, while winter attracts ski crowds. Arriving when they open gives you first access to popular attractions like the alpine slide.
What to Know
On-site dining is available with family-friendly restaurants, but prices are typical mountain resort rates. Parking is free, and the aerial tram from downtown Gatlinburg offers a parking alternative. Individual attraction tickets and multi-activity passes are available, with different pricing for winter ski operations.
Seasonal Notes
Winter (December-March) offers full skiing and snowboarding operations with snow tubing. Summer brings the best weather for outdoor activities like the alpine slide. Some outdoor attractions may close during inclement weather. The venue hosts special events during Christmas with holiday lights and festive activities.
Nearby Eats
The Park Grill in downtown Gatlinburg (5 minutes away) offers kid-friendly American fare with a mountain lodge atmosphere. Pancake Pantry is perfect for breakfast before heading up the mountain and is a Gatlinburg institution kids love.
More Activities Near Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead
The Gatlinburg Trail is a hidden gem for families seeking an easy introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the challenging terrain. This completely flat, paved two-mile riverside path is one of the only stroller-accessible trails in the park, making it perfect for families with little ones in wagons or strollers, and it's one of just two trails in the park where leashed dogs are welcome.
Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum offers a unique twist on family entertainment with its all-you-can-play admission to dozens of vintage and modern pinball machines. Kids and parents alike will love the nostalgic atmosphere and hands-on fun, where every machine is playable and there's no need to scramble for quarters. The climate-controlled space makes it a perfect rainy day activity or a welcome break from Gatlinburg's summer heat.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect first stop for families exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kids can earn Junior Ranger badges, interact with engaging nature exhibits, and watch wildlife videos while parents gather trail maps and tips from knowledgeable rangers who can recommend age-appropriate hikes and current wildlife sighting spots.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg's top family attractions, offering an unforgettable underwater adventure right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Kids will be mesmerized walking through the 340-foot Shark Lagoon tunnel while sea creatures swim overhead, and hands-on touch tanks let little ones get up close with stingrays and horseshoe crabs. With playful penguins, jellyfish galleries, and interactive exhibits throughout, this world-class aquarium keeps children engaged and excited from start to finish.