There's No Business Like Snow Business...
Posted by Leif Palmer in Smoky Mountain Attractions
Yep, we're well into fall here in the Smokies, and winter is just around the corner. Although depending on the day and the time of day, many might say that the chill of winter has already arrived. Colder weather does have its up side, however; it means that conditions are finally becoming ideal for enjoying winter activities like skiing, skating, tubing and more.
For Smoky Mountain visitors, Ober Gatlinburg has long been one of the area's go-to destinations for enjoying winter sports. The ski resort is open all year, but it's not until the temperatures drop far enough that it begins opening the slopes and lifts. Typically, that happens in early to mid-December, so we're not far away from ski time in the Smokies. Even when nature doesn't cooperate, the resort is able to manufacture its own real snow to help add to the base and powder depth.
For skiers and snowboarders, Ober Gatlinburg has 10 trails (their active status depends on current weather conditions) and seven ski lifts, which offer experiences for everyone from beginners to the most seasoned of mogul masters. Those who are new to the sport can take lessons and rent ski apparel and equipment while they're on site.
But you don't have to wait for ski season to enjoy sliding downhill at Ober. Their snow-tubing course opened on November 18, allowing guests to tube down one of 10 snow-covered lanes for up 90 minutes per session. The attraction's outdoor escalator hauls you back to the top to start another run.
In addition, Ober Gatlinburg is home to indoor ice skating, a scenic chairlift, a wildlife encounter and the Ski Mountain Coaster. You get to the resort by driving to the top of Mt. Harrison or by taking the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg.
But soon, Ober won't be the only snow game around the Smokies. A new attraction called Pigeon Forge Snow is currently under construction, and will be the nation's first indoor snow facility. Guests will be able to enjoy downhill tubing on real snow all year long. In fact, snow will even fall from the roof, and it will have its own moving sidewalk to take riders to the top of the hill. Also look for a special snowy play area for younger kids. Right now, the 35,000-square-foot attraction, located on Teaster Lane, is expected to open some time in January 2018.
Whether you plan to do some skiing at Ober Gatlinburg or some tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow, you can get to either location easily if you're staying in one of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals. Imagine spending a glorious winter day in the mountains, enjoying outdoor winter sports during the day and then coming back to your cabin and warming up in front of the fireplace or in the cabin's outdoor hot tub. Contact us today to get the process started!
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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