Ski and Snowboard Guide to Pigeon Forge

To get to the slopes, drive seven miles from Pigeon Forge to the neighboring town of Gatlinburg, home to Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area, a four-season attraction that boasts Tennessee's only ski resort. You can drive three miles from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, or take the Aerial Tramway cable car the rest of the way. Stunning views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains make the cable car ride an exciting option.

Ski season at Ober Gatlinburg

If you’re itching to hit the slopes, there’s no need to wait for snowfall. While Ober Gatlinburg averages 30 inches of snow a year, it supplements Mother Nature's work with its own round-the-clock snowmaking technology. The ski season here begins when temperatures are low enough for the resort to cover all of its trails with snow, usually in mid-December. The slopes typically remain open until early March.

Range of Trails

Take your pick from 10 ski and snowboard trails, six of which are rated intermediate. In this category is Ober Chute, the longest of the resort's trails at 4,400 feet with a breathtaking 556-foot vertical drop. Expert skier or just hitting the slopes for the first time? Ober Gatlinburg has you covered. A surface tow lift, a double-chair lift and two quad chairlifts provide quick access to the slopes, so you’ll spend less time waiting in lines. Ober Gatlinburg also has a snow tubing area for kids as young as 3, so bring the whole gang. Don’t forget to check out the terrain park for to work on tricks and stunts.

Renting and Buying Equipment

If you don't own skis or a snowboard, don't worry; you can rent skis, poles and snowboards—rentals include boots. Forgot to pack the snow clothes? You can also rent waterproof pants, ski jackets and helmets for children and adults. Rentals are first come, first served. If you want to buy your equipment or clothing, Ski Mountain Sports, an on-site winter sports outfitter, carries good selection.

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Even if you or a younger member of the family has never hit the slopes before, you can still join in on the fun. First-timers can get in on the winter sports action with ski and snowboard lessons. One-hour classes cover everything you need to know to zip safely down the slopes, including how to glide, control your speed, stop and make turns. Lessons geared specifically toward children are also available. Slope-savvy but yearning to learn more tricks? Private lessons are a good option for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

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