BLOUNT
BEYOND
Ober Mountain
BY LEE ZIMMERMAN One of the many joys of living in Blount County has to do with its proximity to so many nearby attractions. Yet, when it comes to wintertime wonderment, there’ s no more desirable destination than Ober Mountain, a veritable entertainment Mecca for the entire family.
Given its ranking as Tennessee’ s premier place for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, it offers no better way to spend a winter’ s day. Ober offers activities for everyone, while creating cherished memories in the process.
The fun begins when boarding the tram from Downtown Gatlinburg and taking the lift up to the mountain mall. The journey is easy and accessible, offering panoramic views of spectacular scenery. The ride spans just over two miles and ascends 1,341 feet to reach over 2,813 feet above sea level, making it 1,000 feet higher than any other cable lift in Tennessee, aside from Ober’ s own Sky Village Express Chairlift.
SKIING
Of course, for many people, the main reason to visit Ober is for the skiing. All levels of skiers are welcome, whether experienced or beginner. For the latter, qualified instructors provide introductory lessons.
TUBING
For those wary of taking a spill on the hill, but still looking for a thrill, a 350-foot tubing hill with a 50-foot total drop is the answer. An outdoor
4 | BLOUNT COUNTY QUARTERLY • WINTER 2025-26
escalator dubbed“ The Magic Carpet” takes tubers back to the top of the hill after each run. Tubers over six years old and at least 42” tall are allowed to ride alone, while those three to five years old, or under 42 inches tall, must ride Gatlinburg with an adult 18 years or older.
ICE BUMPER CARS
Those who prefer to control the motion they make— at least to a minor extent— can enjoy the Ice Bumper Cars. The Ober version of an everpopular carnival ride, these bumper cars glide over ice, allowing for even more twists and turns. The cars come in the form of round, colorful tubes with wheels and a motor that allow them to glide over ice with a certain ease and agility. Their controls are a bit like those of a video game, enabling passengers to zoom around, smash into other cars, or simply spin in place.
ICE SKATING
Gliding across the ice in a pair of skates offers a more traditional way of reaping winter’ s benign benefits. Ober’ s 140 ′ X 75 ′ indoor ice arena is located at the center of the Ober Mountain Mall and is open year-round. Apart from hosting professional ice skating competitions, it’ s perfect for both beginner and experienced skaters alike. Not to worry— a handrail that loops around the perimeter helps novice skaters keep their balance. Rental skates are also available in sizes from toddler to adult.
BCQ | SHANON ADAME A conveyor belt takes tubers down the hill at Ober Mountain.