sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Top 4 Activities You Need to Try at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg

ober tram
January 9, 2026

As one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg during winter, the Ober Mountain Ski Resort is actually a year round destination! This attraction provides the opportunity to enjoy a ton of activities for people of all ages, which makes it the perfect place to visit on your next family vacation. Here are some of the best Ober Mountain activities you need to try:

1. Indoor Ice Skating

Ice-Skating-

  • Available year round
  • Included in fun pass
  • Bring your own skates allowed
  • Rental skates available (toddler size 6 to adult size 15)

Need a break from Ober Mountain snow tubing or skiing? Enjoy the indoor ice skating rink! It’s large enough for everyone to skate comfortably without the fear of running into each other, with a handrail all the way around and skating aids available for young skaters! Whether you are trying to get in the holiday spirit or escape the summer heat, ice skating in Gatlinburg Tennessee at Ober Mountain is a fun activity for any time of year!

2. Ice Bumper Cars

  • Available year round
  • Included in fun pass
  • Must be 48″ tall to ride
  • Closed on select holidays

Who says you need athletic ability to have fun on the ice? Hop in one of the Ice Bumper Cars and take some laps around the skating rink or ram into other tubes! The colorful tubes have wheels and a built-in engine to take you where you want to go; it's one of the top Ober Mountain activities that is a blast for the whole family!

3. Alpine Slide

ober alpine slide gatlinburg

  • Open spring through fall
  • Included in fun pass
  • Must be 3 years old to ride
  • Ages 3-6 must ride with adults

As one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg since 1976, the Smoky Mountain Bobsled (more commonly known as the Alpine Slide) is a must-do when it comes to Ober Mountain activities! You’ll take the chairlift to the midway point of the mountain, enjoying breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains before getting dropped off at the Alpine Slide. There are two parallel 1,700-foot-long tracks, and the sleds have a lever to control your speed, so you can choose to race your friends and family or enjoy a scenic ride down the mountain. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

4. Cloud Catcher Zipline

  • Open year round (weather-related closures possible)
  • NOT included in pass (add-on ticket)
  • Minimum weight: 80 lbs.
  • Maximum weight: 250 lbs.

The Cloud Catcher zipline in Gatlinburg is actually the highest ziplining tour in the Smokies! The chairlift takes you up to the peak of Mount Harrison at 3,400 feet, where you can enjoy 3 incredible zipline courses. Each zipline course features 4 parallel lines, so you can ride side by side and experience the thrilling adventure alongside friends and family!

The Best Gatlinburg Hotel Near Ober

Beautiful views from the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

Getting to all of these fun Ober Mountain activities is easy when you stay at Sidney James Mountain Lodge! Our location provides one of the best hotels near Ober Mountain because you can walk to the Aerial Tram. With indoor and outdoor pools, a Poolside Cafe, dog-friendly rooms, and balconies overlooking the creek, we are the perfect place to stay in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

So what are you waiting for? Browse our affordable hotel rooms and book your next Gatlinburg vacation today!