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Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) has long been a mainstay in the city of Gatlinburg. In spite of the many changes in the area over the last sixty years, Ober has remained largely the same and has built much of its reputation on the sense of nostalgia it provides.
The facility was purchased by a new owner in 2022, and new management was appointed. Now, under the leadership of President/CEO Mark Adams, plans for Ober's revitilization are in full swing. Updates to the property are happening daily, and its activity offerings are being expanded, all while remaining true to the original warmth guests associate with the beloved landmark. Here are a few of the exciting things that lie ahead at Ober Mountain:
(Coming Spring 2023!) In order to utilize their property to the fullest all year long, the folks at Ober have created a downhill mountain biking course for adventure-seeking visitors. This course offers varied levels of difficulty and is crafted to suit riders of all ages/sizes. In order to maintain the course and protect riders, bikes must fall within certain standards/sizes (road bikes will not be permitted).
The Wildlife Habitat at Ober Mountain is a privately funded, municipally sponsored zoo, licensed by the U.S.D.A. as an exhibitor. It has been put in place to provide people with an up close viewing of native wildlife in a safe environment. The newly-expanded habitat is home to a black bear family, including BJ, Holly and Chief. River otters play in the underwater viewing area, and beautiful bobcats and foxes wow guests with their beauty. The Nocturnal House includes various species of native Smokies wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles and snakes. Eventually, other native species will also have homes at the facility.
People have been sliding at Ober Mountain since 1976! The Alpine Slide continues to be a huge hit with guests, and now it's better than ever. Take the Scenic Chairlift to the midway point; then, once you unload, your “chariot” awaits! These sled-like carts have a push/pull lever so you can control your speed as you wind down either of the 1800’ parallel tracks. Challenge your buddies or take it easy on your descent through the beautiful forests of Mount Harrison, and take in the unique views of the Ober Slopes and the Smoky Mountains.
No trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is complete without a rafting trip on the Pigeon River. Ober offers trips on both the Upper and Lower Pigeon from our newly acquired rafting headquarters in Hartford, TN, just outside of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s also an easy drive from Maggie Valley and Asheville, NC. With a white water rafting trip, you’ll see the Smokies from a whole new perspective! Rafting in the Smoky Mountains on the Pigeon River is a great trip for all ages. Reserve your adventure: (865) 436-5423 or (800) 251-9202. (Can be combined into a multi-attraction ticket with zipline tours!)
The Ober Adventure Canopy Tours are the ONLY Zipline Canopy Tours near Gatlinburg (Hartford TN) that soar over the Big Pigeon River. Follow your friends on dual zips that fly you besides, above and across the Pigeon River and back to your starting point. Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. (Can be combined into a multi-attraction ticket with white water rafting!)
Preparations are underway now to enhance the quality of the Ober Mountain ski slopes for the coming 2023-2024 ski season! They are investing in new automated snow blowing equipment that will keep the slopes powdery fresh all season long. They're also working with experts to lay a base layer of ice to the slopes which will keep the snow on top colder and more skiable. Because of these improvements, the season will start earlier and end later than it has before, providing winter sports lovers with a longer window to enjoy the slopes in Gatlinburg!
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In addition to these awesome attractions, you should also check out these tried and true offerings that provide fun for the whole family:
- climbing the rock wall
- riding the iconic aerial tram
- the Ski Mountain coaster
- the scenic chairlift
- ice skating
- ice bumper cars
- summer tubing
There are also plans in the works for even more new additions, including:
- botanical gardens
- a family play space
- a Beer Garden
- a wedding venue
- and so much more!
No matter the time of year, you'll always find incredible family fun opportunities in abundance at Ober Mountain. The majority of homes in the Mountain Laurel Chalets program are on Ski Mountain and within two miles of Ober Mountain. Browse our wide selection of homes and plan your next visit to Gatlinburg now!
