Ober Gatlinburg is most famous for being the state of Tennessee’s only ski resort. While winter is definitely peak season for Ober, this great attraction doesn’t close its doors when the snow melts away. Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round destination that is worth visiting no matter what season it is. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Black Bear Inn & Suites has put together a guide to the top five Ober Gatlinburg summer activities.
1. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is the best way to get to Ober, and it is an amazing attraction in itself! Located steps away from Black Bear Inn & Suites, the Aerial Tramway is a unique cable car ride that takes passengers from the Parkway all the way to the top of Mt. Harrison. During this 2.1-mile ride, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
2. Ski Mountain Coaster
The Ski Mountain Coaster is one of the most popular Ober Gatlinburg summer activities. This thrilling alpine coaster is built right into the side of a mountain! Passengers on the coaster will enjoy about 5 ½ minutes of adrenaline-fueled fun as they experience twists, turns, corkscrews, and plenty of G-force. Each kart on the coaster is equipped with a lever that lets passengers control the speed of their ride. The Ski Mountain Coaster is open to guests who are at least 3 years old.
3. Wildlife Encounter
Ober Gatlinburg’s Wildlife Encounter is a great opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the area’s most beloved critters. Visitors to this mini zoo will have the chance to see black bears, river otters, bobcats, flying squirrels, turtles, snakes, birds of prey, and many other animals. The stars of the Wildlife Encounter are Ober’s family of black bears: Minnie, BJ, and their children, Holly and Chief.
4. Ice Skating
Ice skating is a great way to stay cool during the dog days of summer! Ober Gatlinburg is home to an awesome 140’ x 75’ indoor ice skating rink. Located inside Ober’s enclosed mall, this rink is the perfect place to show off your moves. For just $9, visitors can rent skates and enjoy 3 hours on the ice.
5. Amusement Park Fun
In addition to all of the above attractions, Ober Gatlinburg also offers a variety of amusement park-style activities. Guests can whizz through the air on chair swings, cool off with wet and wild water raft rides, zoom down a mountainside on an alpine slide, find their way through a winding maze, or go for a relaxing ride on a carousel. Other highlights of Ober Gatlinburg include a special kiddie area, arcade and redemption center, and mini golf course.
When you stay at Black Bear Inn & Suites, you will be near all of these wonderful Ober Gatlinburg summer activities. Our hotel is located right on the downtown Parkway, just steps away from the Aerial Tramway and a short walk from the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and shops. Offering a complimentary breakfast bar, enclosed heated pool, high-speed wireless internet access, and balconies with stunning views, Black Bear Inn has everything you need for a spectacular vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel suites!