Ober Mountain and the Aerial Tramway
Ober Mountain: Year-Round Adventure Above Gatlinburg
Ober Mountain is a premier destination in Gatlinburg and one of Tennessee’s most iconic attractions. Situated high in the Great Smoky Mountains, it offers year-round outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and family-friendly entertainment. Reaching the resort is part of the experience—guests travel via one of the nation’s largest aerial tramways, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Getting There: A Scenic Ride Above the Smokies
The Aerial Tramway departs every 20 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, located at the intersection of Parkway and LeConte Street. This 2.1-mile ascent provides an extraordinary view of the town below and the surrounding mountain landscape. In operation since 1973, the tramway features two high-capacity, counterbalanced cable cars. In 2007, the original cars were replaced with state-of-the-art trams manufactured in Switzerland, enhancing both safety and comfort.
Activities and Attractions on the Mountain
Ober Mountain offers activities in every season, starting with a scenic chairlift that ascends to the summit of the ski slopes. In autumn, the ride showcases sweeping views of vibrant foliage across the Smokies. During warmer months, the chairlift serves as a gateway to one of the resort’s most popular attractions—the Alpine Slide. This downhill ride on a dry sled takes visitors through forested trails and ski runs, offering a unique and accessible thrill for all ages.
For those looking for more excitement, the Ski Mountain Coaster offers a self-paced descent through mountain terrain. Riders control their own speed, making it ideal for both adrenaline seekers and those wanting a more relaxed scenic glide.
The resort transforms into a mountain amusement park with a wide array of attractions. Visitors can enjoy indoor ice skating year-round in the climate-controlled Mall, explore family-friendly rides and games, meet animals at the wildlife encounter, and play mini-golf. It’s an all-in-one experience that appeals to every generation.
Shopping and Dining
Retail options abound both at the base of the tramway in downtown Gatlinburg and at the resort itself. Ober Mountain features a variety of shops within its mountaintop Mall, offering souvenirs, outdoor gear, and local crafts. Dining options range from casual fare in the food court to elevated cuisine at Gatlinburg’s highest-elevation restaurant and lounge. This venue also hosts the resort’s annual Oktoberfest celebration—a popular event featuring seasonal food, drinks, and entertainment.
Winter Sports and Snow Activities
Ober Mountain is best known for its winter offerings, with 10 ski trails, four chairlifts, and one of the region’s most popular snow tubing runs. The tubing area typically operates from Thanksgiving through Easter. The resort utilizes cutting-edge snowmaking technology to supplement the natural snowfall, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the winter season.
Visitor Tips
- Location: Tramway base station at Parkway & LeConte Street, downtown Gatlinburg
- Aerial Tramway: Departs approximately every 20 minutes
- Seasonal Activities: Skiing, snow tubing (winter); Alpine Slide, mountain coaster (spring–fall); ice skating and scenic chairlift available year-round
- Dining & Shopping: Onsite options include a food court, mountain-top restaurant, and retail stores
- Special Events: Oktoberfest, seasonal festivals, and family-focused programs