About Ober Mountain

Rich History in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Welcome to Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area — a year-round destination where unforgettable memories are made. Originally opened in 1962 as the Gatlinburg Ski Area, we have evolved into a multi-season adventure park that brings families and friends together for generations of outdoor fun. Our mission is to make adventure accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned thrill-seeker, Ober Mountain offers activities designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage exploration. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to Downhill Mountain Biking and ziplining on The Cloud Catcher in the warmer months, there's something for everyone to discover.

Choose Your Adventure

We offer adventures suitable for the youngest to the oldest in your group. Guests can step out of their comfort zone to try out a new, high adventure activity or experience the joy of engaging with their children on our kid-friendly attractions.

Our goal is for our guests to have fun outdoors and try something they have never had the opportunity to try before. We make entry level snow sports and mountain biking accessible by offering lessons and equipment rentals for all ages and abilities.

More than just a park, Ober Mountain is your all-in-one destination for adventure, dining, shopping, and the most breathtaking views of the Smokies. We invite you to return year after year to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover the joy of the outdoors.

History of Ober Mountain

A GATLINBURG STAPLE

Gatlinburg Ski Resort Opened

Gatlinburg Ski Resort opened as a private club in December. One of the first ski resorts in the South and still the only ski area in Tennessee today. Carlevaro-Savio Scenic Double Chairlift installed.

Aerial Tramway Constructions Begins

Claude Anders began construction of the Aerial Tramway to connect downtown Gatlinburg to the ski resort.

August 5 – The Aerial Tramway began operation.

Until this point, guests accessed the resort by car via snow-covered Mount Harrison.

1975

The Anders Family purchased the resort’s assets and sub-leased the ski area from the Gatlinburg Ski Corp. AstroTurf Ski Hill installed for summertime skiing.

Ober Gatlinburg is Born

The Aerial Tramway and Gatlinburg Ski Resort merged to form Ober Gatlinburg, Inc.

1976

The Old Heidelberg Castle restaurant opened in the lodge with authentic German fare and live entertainment by the Bavarian Fun Makers Band. The Alpine Slide opened, served by the Scenic Chairlift, which doubled as a ski lift in winter.

Scenic Chairlift

The Scenic Chairlift became dedicated solely to scenic rides to the summit of Mount Harrison.

1981

Installed Borvig Black Quad lift to serve Ober Chute and Upper Bear Run.The Red Lift was installed to serve the new beginner slope, Cub Way.Ober Gatlinburg Municipal Black Bear Habitat opened.

1988

New slopes opened adding Ober Chute, Lower Bear Run, and Mogul Ridge — the steepest advanced terrain in the Southeast.

1998

Upgraded snowmaking with energy-efficient fan guns and pole guns.

2001

First major upgrade to the Aerial Tramway.

2007

The Wildlife Habitat expanded to become the Smoky Mountain Wildlife Encounter, featuring native species and new exhibits including the Nocturnal House, Birds of Prey, and River Otters.

2009

The Snow Tubing Park opened in January for non-skiers to enjoy winter fun.

2014

Wildlife Encounter added Bobcat and Fox Exhibits.

The Mountain Coaster opened as a year-round family attraction. Yeti’s Run trail opened, adding more skiable terrain.

Ice Bumper Cars opened in May. Bobcat Exhibit expanded.

Summer Tubing and the Rock Wall opened, adding more family-friendly activities.

The Aerial Tramway celebrated its 47th anniversary on August 5.

Second major upgrade to the Aerial Tramway, including new track ropes.

Ober Gatlinburg was purchased by a group of Sevier County natives and rebranded as Ober Mountain.

June of 2023

Downhill Mountain Biking opened with 11 trails and full rentals. New mountaintop green space, large screen TV, and children’s rides added.

The 5,000 sq. ft. Scenic Observation Deck opened atop Mount Harrison.

August 17

The Cloud Catcher Zipline opened — the highest-elevation launch of any regional zipline.

January 22, 2025

The Ober Challenge Lift opened to serve both ski slopes and the Downhill Mountain Bike Park. This fixed-grip Doppelmayr quad lift features padded seating.

February 2025

The Sky Village Express Chairlift opened, taking guests to the summit of Mount Harrison — the highest lift-served peak in the Smokies.