Posted by Leif Palmer in Seasons Smoky Mountains
Just because we're in the dead of winter doesn't mean you can't have a great time visiting the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It's true that summer and fall are the traditional peak-season times for visitors, but if you look in the right places, you'll discover that there's a whole lot going on here in winter too. In fact, there are several things to do that are actually best enjoyed in winter or are specifically intended for winter. Read on to learn just a few:
This is actually peak season for the folks up at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. It's nice and chilly up on the top of Mt. Harrison, which means that conditions are prime for everything the Gatlinburg attraction has to offer. Let's start with the skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers 10 trails and seven lifts for skiers of all experience levels, from newbies to seasoned downhillers. This time of year, there's usually plenty of natural snow, but even when nature doesn't cooperate, the resort can manufacture snow to ensure good skiing conditions. Ober Gatlinburg also offers lessons and equipment rentals, a 10-lane snow tubing course and an indoor ice skating rink. You can get up there by driving to the top of the mountain, or you can take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg.
Our cabins in Gatlinburg are the ideal wintertime accommodations. Imagine waking up in the morning to views of snow-crested mountains or pondering the starkly beautiful winter landscape of the Smokies as you enjoy your morning coffee. Cabins are great places to curl up with a good book or movie on a cold winter day in the mountains, and you can take the chill off at night by spending time in front of the fireplace or soaking in the vigorous bubbliness of the outdoor hot tub. Staying in a remote cabin has a way of helping folks tap into their inner peace, but our properties are conveniently located near the national park and all the local attractions and restaurants for those times you're ready to get out and do some exploring.
The holidays are officially over, but you'll still find Winterfest lights on display in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville through the end of February. They're full of color and motion and add a special touch of seasonal magic to the evenings here in the Smokies. You can enjoy them from your car or take one of Gatlinburg's heated trolleys for a special tour of that city's lights.
There are some special events you can only attend this time of year. These include the Winter Special Olympics at Ober Gatlinburg January 28 through 30 and the Winter Carnival of Magic, March 8 through 10. The latter is a special gathering of magicians from all over the nation, and it includes evening shows for the general public at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley