When winter rolls around in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and other seasonal activities in and around the Great Smoky Mountains.
Whether you’re planning a family ski vacation, a romantic winter escape, or an adventure with friends, Gatlinburg skiing combines accessible winter recreation with plenty of cabin accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy off the slopes.
We’re giving you everything you need to know about skiing in Gatlinburg, TN, from Ober Mountain and gear rentals to where to unwind after a day outside. Before you make your way to the mountains, check out this guide!
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In This Article:
- Get to Know Ober Mountain
- Where to Get Ski Gear in Gatlinburg
- Après-Ski: Where to Eat and Unwind in Gatlinburg
- How to Plan Your Gatlinburg Ski Trip
- Book Your Winter Mountain Escape Today!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Get to Know Ober Mountain
While Gatlinburg is best known for its rustic charm and natural beauty, it’s also home to Ober Mountain, Tennessee’s only ski resort. Formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg, it’s the closest ski area to downtown Gatlinburg. You can reach the mountaintop attraction by taking the 2.1-mile aerial tramway from downtown or driving up the mountain. The ski area offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Beyond the slopes, Ober Mountain offers attractions such as indoor ice skating, wildlife encounters, snow tubing, and other activities that vary by season and operating conditions. That makes it a good choice for families or groups who may not want to ski.
Ober Mountain Details
- Mountaintop Location: 1339 Ski Mountain Road
- Downtown Aerial Tramway Location: 1001 Parkway
- Best for: Beginners, families, and convenient skiing close to downtown
- Terrain: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs
- Also offers: Ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, snow tubing, and ice skating
Cataloochee Ski Area
If you want to venture farther for a day of skiing or snowboarding, head to Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Cataloochee Ski Area also offers night skiing, a terrain park, extensive snowmaking, equipment rentals, and lodge facilities. Because Cataloochee Ski Area is in Maggie Valley rather than Gatlinburg, plan for a longer drive and check road and weather conditions before setting out. Note that there is no regular public transportation between Gatlinburg and the ski area.
Cataloochee Ski Area Details
- Location: 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC
- Best for: A longer ski day or day trip from Gatlinburg
- Terrain: 18 trails across about 50 skiable acres
- Also offers: Night skiing, a terrain park, snowmaking, five lifts, and on-site equipment rentals
- Drive time from Gatlinburg: About 1 ½ – 2 hours
- Get Directions to Cataloochee Ski Area
Where to Get Ski Gear in Gatlinburg
Before you hit the slopes, you’ll need the right equipment and plenty of warm layers. For ski and snowboard rentals, your easiest option may be to rent directly from the ski area where you’ll be spending the day. If you’re traveling during a busy winter weekend or holiday period, check availability ahead of time.
Ski & Snowboard Rentals at Ober Mountain
Rent skis, snowboards, and winter clothing right at the mountaintop ski area.
- Location: 1339 Ski Mountain Road, Gatlinburg
- Hours: Operates during ski area hours; corresponds with 4 – and 8 – hour lift-ticket sessions
- Key Highlights: Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, jackets, and snow bibs
Ober Mountain Outfitters
This year-round shop at Ober Mountain carries outdoor gear and apparel suited to the season.
- Location: 1339 Ski Mountain Road
- Hours: Vary by season
- Key Highlights: Seasonal outdoor gear and apparel
The Day Hiker
A good downtown stop for general hiking and outdoor supplies rather than specialized ski equipment.
- Location: 634 Parkway, Suite 1
- Hours: Check current hours before visiting
- Key Highlights: Hiking gear, day-hiking essentials, outdoor accessories, and gifts
Cataloochee Ski Area Rentals
The on-mountain rental department makes it easy to pick up your equipment before hitting the trails.
- Location: 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC
- Hours: Operates during ski area hours; rentals can also be picked up after 7 p.m. on the evening before a reservation.
- Key Highlights: Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, jackets, and snow bibs; allow about an hour for same-day pickup
Après-Ski: Where to Eat and Unwind in Gatlinburg
The après-ski scene in Gatlinburg blends Southern hospitality with mountain-town charm. After a day outside, head out for a hearty dinner, a local brew, or another Gatlinburg treat.
The Peddler Steakhouse
A longtime Gatlinburg restaurant, The Peddler Steakhouse is a particularly good après-ski choice if you want to sit down for a relaxed steak dinner along the river.
- Location: 820 River Road
- Serves: Dinner
- Key Highlights: Steaks, riverside setting, salad bar
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Fuel up before heading to the slopes at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, a popular Gatlinburg breakfast spot known for hearty dishes and generous portions.
- Location: 1103 Parkway
- Serves: Breakfast
- Key Highlights: Griddle cakes, skillets, and other hearty breakfast favorites
Smoky Mountain Brewery
For something more casual, stop by Smoky Mountain Brewery for beer and an easygoing post-ski meal.
- Location: 1004 Parkway #501
- Serves: Lunch and dinner, plus craft beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks
- Key Highlights: Craft beer, casual atmosphere, and pub-style dining
If you’re looking for a fancier meal, Gatlinburg also has several fine-dining options. These spots offer elevated takes on steaks, seafood, and Southern-inspired dishes, along with wine and handcrafted cocktails. Looking for more places to eat? Check out our Top 5 Gatlinburg Local Restaurants for more popular choices.
How to Plan Your Gatlinburg Ski Trip
A successful ski vacation begins with thoughtful planning. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your getaway:
Check the Snow Report. Conditions vary throughout the season, so check sites such as the Ober Mountain Slope and Snow Report, as well as local forecasts, before heading out. Snowmaking helps maintain terrain, but availability still depends on weather and temperatures.
Book Early. Winter weekends and holidays can be busy, so reserve your cabin, slope passes, lessons, and rentals early when possible.
Plan Rest Days. Take a break from skiing to explore winter trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or drive through Cades Cove.
Pack Layers. Mountain weather can change quickly. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, waterproof outerwear, and warm accessories.
Coordinate Group Transportation. Traveling with a large group? You can carpool or consider a private shuttle or charter service. Smoky Bear Shuttle, for example, offers group transportation with pickup from cabins and lodges in the Gatlinburg area. Be sure to confirm that service to Cataloochee Ski Area is available when booking.
Book Your Winter Mountain Escape Today!
Featured Property: Sycamore Mansion
After an active day on the mountain, return to a spacious cabin where your group can relax and spend time together.
The Cabin Rental Store offers cabins with amenities such as private hot tubs, game rooms, indoor pools, and mountain views. For larger groups, cabins such as Sycamore Mansion sleep up to 44 guests and feature 14 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. With this option, your group can gather and swap ski stories before retreating to your own comfy spaces. Book direct on our site to save money in a quick, secure, and streamlined process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gatlinburg a good destination for beginner skiers?
Absolutely! Ober Mountain offers beginner-rated terrain as well as ski and snowboard lessons and equipment rentals. It’s a convenient option for first-time skiers and riders. Since available terrain depends on weather and snowmaking conditions, check the current slope report before your visit.
What is the typical ski season in the Gatlinburg area?
The Gatlinburg ski season typically runs from mid-December through mid-March, although exact opening and closing dates depend on temperatures, weather, and snowmaking conditions.
What can non-skiers do during a Gatlinburg ski trip?
Not interested in skiing? You can still enjoy a winter trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! There are plenty of things to do, from downtown shopping and dining to indoor attractions and scenic mountain experiences. This makes Gatlinburg a good choice for groups even when not everyone wants to ski.
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Written by Coshandra Dillard
Coshandra writes for Cabin Rental Store, sharing travel tips and the best things to discover in Gatlinburg to help guests plan incredible getaways.
