For over 50 years, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort has been a staple in the area for family-fun activities. However, the fun found here isn’t limited to only during the winter. In fact, you may be surprised by all the exciting things to do you can find there during the summer as well.
To get a sneak peek of some of the adventures waiting for you there, read through our list of favorite summer activities below.
1. Aerial Tramway
The first reason we love visiting Ober Gatlinburg in the summer is the scenery you get to experience when you take the aerial tramway to get there. Transporting you from the parkway downtown all the way to the top of the mountain, the tramway gives way to some of the best mountains views the area has to offer over its 2.1-mile journey. It will feel as if you are floating above the trees.
You can catch a ride on Ober Gatlinburg’s aerial tramway by parking your car at the station at 1001 Parkway, at the corner of Parkway and LeConte Street. In total, the tramway can hold up to 120 passengers. This means you and all your family or friends can ride together and share in this memorable transport.
2. Ski Mountain Coaster
Brand new this season, Ober Gatlinburg is proud to invite you to join them for an exciting ride on their brand new alpine slide. The coaster starts near the tubing park. From there, you ride 1,000 feet into the air and coast back down through a series of twists, turns, bends and corkscrews, all while experiencing the scenic views of the trees and mountains around you.
The max speed of the ride is 25 mph, so this is perfect for both the young and the young at heart.
The Ski Mountain Coaster is set to open later this summer, just in time for you and your family to ride it before heading back to school in the fall.
3. Wildlife Encounter
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not the only place you can catch a glimpse of the playful wildlife that call the area home. In fact, you and your family can get an up close view of all your favorite animals when you visit Ober Gatlinburg this summer thanks to the attractions’ special Wildlife Encounter exhibit.
Not only is the encounter where you can find four Smoky Mountain black bears, you can also find river otters and bobcats. Don’t forget to head over exhibits nocturnal hours before you leave. Inside there, you will discover skunks, raccoons, flying squirrels, turtles, and snakes.
4. Ice Skating
Who says it has to be cold outside for you to go ice skating? At Ober Gatlinburg, you get to experience your favorite winter-time activity all year long thanks to their indoor ice skating rink.
Located inside the resort’s spacious mall, you and your family and friends will get a kick out of spending the afternoon gliding around the rink.
It doesn’t matter if this is your first skating adventure or if you are a retired pro, you are guaranteed to have fun when you are here.
5. Mini Golf
What is a summer trip to Gatlinburg without a game or two of mini golf? That is why we recommend that you try your hand at the putt-putt course found at Ober Gatlinburg.
Here, you and your family or group will have the unique opportunity to challenge one another over a friendly game. All you have to do is make sure that you don’t get caught on one of the obstacles found throughout the course.
A friendly game of mini-golf is a great way to spend the afternoon outside, enjoying the beautiful summer weather found in Gatlinburg.
6. Kids’ Play Area
If all the above mentioned family-friendly activities at Ober Gatlinburg aren’t enough to get you excited about visiting the ski resort this summer, we would like to introduce you to the kids’ play area found here.
Your kids will get a kick out of spending a couple of hours touring through the outdoor maze, flying on the chair swing, exploring the Kiddie Land and cashing in their tickets in the arcade.
For more ideas of fun things to do in Gatlinburg this summer, read our blog about FREE and Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg.