Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) is a year-round mountain adventure park perched above Gatlinburg that offers families a unique combination of scenic views, outdoor thrills, and indoor activities accessible via a dramatic aerial tramway from the heart of downtown. For over 60 years, this mountaintop destination has served as the Smoky Mountain area's premier alpine experience, recently undergoing a significant renovation that added modern attractions while preserving the mountain charm families love.

The aerial tramway ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the summit is one of the signature experiences of the entire Smoky Mountain region. Enclosed gondola cars climb 2. 1 miles over the rooftops of Gatlinburg and up the steep mountainside, providing panoramic views that unfold dramatically as you ascend.

Kids press their faces against the glass as the town shrinks below and the surrounding mountain ridges come into view. The ride takes about 10 minutes and delivers a genuine sense of leaving the bustling tourist town for a mountaintop wilderness.

At the summit, a diverse collection of activities caters to different ages and interest levels. The alpine coaster is the standout thrill ride — individual carts on a fixed track wind through the forest, with riders controlling their speed via a hand brake. This makes it perfect for families because cautious riders can cruise gently while thrill-seekers release the brake and fly through curves at exhilarating speeds.

The mountain coaster operates year-round in most weather conditions.

Year-round indoor ice skating is a unique offering that delights kids regardless of the season. The indoor rink is a real ice surface (not synthetic), and the novelty of ice skating on a Southern mountain in July or August has a magic that kids love. Skate rental is included with ice skating activity tickets.

The rink is sized for family fun rather than competitive skating, and first-timers can use the rail and skating aids.

The Wildlife Encounter is an often-overlooked gem included with the general admission or tramway ticket. This exhibit features native Smoky Mountain animals including black bears, river otters, red wolves, and birds of prey in naturalistic habitats. The black bear viewing area provides closer and more reliable bear sightings than most families achieve in the national park, making it a guaranteed wildlife highlight.

In winter months (typically December through March), Ober Mountain transforms into Tennessee's only ski resort. While the terrain is modest compared to major ski destinations, for Southeastern families who may not regularly visit ski areas, the opportunity to learn skiing and snowboarding is genuinely exciting. The ski school offers lessons for beginners as young as 4.

Snow tubing runs provide thrills for non-skiers of all ages.

The recent renovation has modernized the summit area with improved dining, updated indoor spaces, and enhanced attractions while maintaining the mountain character that distinguishes Ober from generic amusement parks. The Seasons of Ober restaurant serves better-than-expected mountain fare with views of the ski slopes and surrounding peaks.

Logistically, families can access the summit either by the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg or by driving the Ski Mountain Road to free parking at the top. The tramway is the more scenic and memorable approach, but families with young children who might not enjoy the enclosed tramway or who want to avoid the wait can drive up directly. Activity packages combine the tramway ride with multiple summit activities at a discount compared to purchasing each separately.