Discover Family Fun and Adventure at Ober Gatlinburg TN

Gatlinburg, TN - February 14, 2011

Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park and ski resort that will be celebrating its 50th year in 2011.  Located above (yes, above) Gatlinburg, Tennessee Ober Gatlinburg is but an aerial tram (cable car) ride up the mountain.  The year round attraction features one of the Southeast's best skiing destinations, a recently added tubing area (lots of fun!), and a restaurant and lounge. 

The ski slopes feature 9 trails with two quads - one double and one surface lift - all serviced by snow machines.  As soon as the temperature reaches freezing levels, the snow starts falling, and keeps falling right into early spring.  Beginners and experts will surely have a great time. 

Whether you are a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, you definitely have to visit Ober Gatlinburg!  For the advanced, you can take on the newly added freestyle terrain park. 

The 2010/11 season saw the rapidly growing park doubled the number of rails and boxes, and has a team of workers that ensure the snow is kept at the best possible levels. 

With slopes like Castle Run, Mogul Ridge, and Alpine Way, Ober Gatlinburg's park is renowned nationwide as one of the best.

If you don't have your own ski or snow boarding equipment, you can rent from more than 1,800 pairs of skis and 300 snowboards. 

The sport's clothing can also be had at the rental shop, though I would recommend you bring your own as securing a complete getup can set you back $50. 

If you are new to the sport, Ober Gatlinburg offers a team of professional ski instructors that can teach you everything from gliding and slowing down to stopping and turning. 

At the Gatlinburg Snowsports Center, you'll have a blast learning how to ski or snow board.  The center is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America. 

There is also a special "Cubbies Snow Zone" for the tater tots!

Ski Patrollers are always on duty to protect you.  The park's 60 paid and volunteer Patrollers at Ober Gatlinburg provide ski and snow boarding safety.

Rates for skiing and snowboarding are reasonably priced at $30 - $47 for Friday - Sunday day sessions (adults), and just $15 for night sessions (Monday - Friday).  Group rates apply for groups of 15 or more.  Tubing sessions of 1 and 1/2 hour are $25 but it will be money well spent!  

The Ober Gatlinburg snow tubing park offers some interesting fun for people of all ages and sizes.  Just sit on the tube and hang on!

Tubers must be at least 6 years old and 42" tall to participate.  Waivers must be signed by everyone.  Children ages 3 - 5 can ride with an adult.  A word of advice, however... get there early as tickets sell out fast.  During season, you can ride 7 days a week.

Though snow sports is the main attraction on top of the Ober Gatlinburg mountain, there are other interesting things you can do.  The aerial tramway offers a 2-mile ride from downtown Gatlinburg TN and gives you an outstanding view of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Tickets are $8.50 - $10.  In summer, you can take an 1,800-foot ride down the wet and wild Alpine Slide, slicing through the woods and ski trails.  Tickets are $7.00 a person.

If ice-skating is your calling, then check out Ober Gatlinburg's huge indoor ice arena.  At just $9.00 per 3-hour session (including skate rental), it's one of the best bargains on the mountain.

How about the Wildlife Encounter?  Get an exciting and educational look at the area's popular animals - like black bears, raccoons, flying squirrels, skunks, turtles and snakes.  Kids really love this one!  Especially when they come upon the otters at the underwater viewing area.  Rates are just $4 per person.

You can get lost at the Amaze 'n Maze, ride an old-fashioned carnival carousel ride, spin down the winding 600-foot Blue Cyclone Rapids water slide, let the kids explore tunnels and swinging bridges at Kiddie Land and Kiddie Rides, play a round of mini golf, get lost in the Bungee Run and Arcade, or speed down Ober Gatlinburg's Lightnin' Raft Ride.

What's for lunch?  Enjoy pizza, burgers, and sandwiches at the Sidewalk Cafe, Snack Bar and The Market.  Moreover, a visit to the Fudge Shop is a must.

Ober Gatlinburg is one swell theme park and ski resort.  Fun can be had by all ages.  With about $500 a family of four can have one of the best weekends of their lives at Ober Gatlinburg!  Bring $750, and you'll never forget your trip.  What's keeping you?

For more information about Ober Gatlinburg, including ski conditions and rates, visit the Ober Gatlinburg website.