Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Wintertime Fun In The Smokies
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 13, 2024
We're currently in one of those weird weather spells in the Smoky Mountains, a period of mild and comfortable temperatures just weeks after a big winter storm. The crazy thing about this place is that we could still get another big cold snap before spring arrives for good. We may even experience more snow accumulation within the next month. Anyone remember the Blizzard of '93? That didn't happen until mid-March.
Our point is that if you're one of those people who likes brisk days and a good bit of snowfall to play in, don't give up hope just yet. This may not be the week for it, but history has shown us that you will probably get more chances to experience a winter wonderland. And when that time arrives, there will be a lot going on in the Smokies to accommodate you.
Ober Mountain is a logical first place to look when it comes to finding wintertime adventure. It's the only ski resort in the area, and it's been serving up cold-weather fun for more than 50 years. They have downhill ski runs designed for all levels of experience, from Ski School slopes to advanced slopes designed to put your skills to the test. There are also several different ski lifts servicing these various slopes as well as a terrain park section where skiers and snowboarders alike can work on their coolest moves.
If you've never snow-skied before, that's no problem. You can rent the appropriate equipment and clothing on site at the resort, and they have instructors at the Ski School who will help you learn the basics so you can get up and skiing on the tamest slopes.
But there's a lot more to Ober Mountain in winter than skiing and snowboarding. They have an eight-lane snow-tubing course that's open seven days a week from mid-November through the end of the snow season, which is usually around mid-March. Guests as young as 5 can ride their own tube down the multiple-drop course, which is 350 feet long and descends a total of 50 feet from top to bottom. Sessions are 90 minutes long, and guests are able to take the outdoor escalator - aka Magic Carpet - back to the top of the hill for another go as many times as they care to within each session.
Another popular area in winter is The Snow Zone, a play area for all ages. Build a snowman, make a snow angel, build a snow fort. (Pretty much anything goes except for snowball fighting…) Other activities at Ober Mountain include ice bumper cars and indoor ice skating. Several of Ober's warm-weather attractions are open in winter as well, including the scenic chairlift and the Tennessee Flyer, an alpine coaster.
To get to Ober Mountain, you may either drive Ski Mountain Rd. to the top of Mt. Harrison or take the Aerial Tramway, large cable cars that run from downtown to the top of the mountain and back on a regular schedule throughout the day. It's big enough for you to carry your gear onboard with you.
Ober Mountain isn't the only place to have some snowy fun, however. Another destination to try is Pigeon Forge Snow, the first indoor snow facility in the U.S. to feature real snow all year long. This 35,000-square-foot indoor attraction becomes a winter wonderland, complete with 12 lanes of snow tubing and other winter activities like a play zone. One of the best parts of the experience is that the indoor temperature is between 60 and 70 all year long.
And in just about a month (maybe less), Smoky Mountain Ziplines will be open again for its 2024 season. Our Gatlinburg attraction and canopy tour offers seven amazing zipline runs as well as a vertical descent feature and some very memorable views of the Great Smoky Mountains. We look forward to seeing you soon!
