Winter Is Calling: Ober Gatlinburg
The Homey Mountain Town Of Gatlinburg Has All You Can Desire, Including Ober Gatlinburg, A Ski & Amusement Park - An RVer's Dream With One-Of-A-Kind Lodging
While Winter Storm Grayson had North America in a state of panic at the start of the New Year, it wouldn't be surprising if the townspeople of Gatlinburg, Tennessee were outside making snow angels. And skiing, of course.
In fact, winter is a happening place in Gatlinburg, said Ober Gatlinburg's Director of Sales Kate Barido said. Especially when it snows. During the winter months, Gatlinburg is a bit of a “winter wonderland,” and there's no better place to view this quaint, rustic village that rests at the foot of the Smoky Mountains than riding on Ober Gatlinburg's aerial tramway.
Departing regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, the cable car takes over 200 passengers at a time through a breathtaking 2 mile ride up to the ski area, taking in the “best panoramic view of the Smokies.”
“Every time it's amazing,” said Barido. “The view is different every time. And it changes with the weather. The clouds are changing. The wildlife.”
While the promise of possibly seeing bears and other woodland creatures is a draw, the true majesty of the aerial ride is the view. Taking in the mountains. The snow. The village below.
The tram acts as a symbol for the connection between Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg. How one wouldn't survive without the other. How the ski resort has become a beacon for economic growth, a lighthouse flashing atop a foggy bed of rocks, its glow reaching through the fog. And in this case, snow.
“We've been a part of the town for over 50 years, since 1962,” stated Barido. “We've come to represent the city during the winter months.”
But what would Ober Gatlinburg be without the town below? Offering one-of-a-kind lodging along the river, or overlooking the side of a mountain. Meandering through marketplaces surrounded by live music and wine tasting. There's street performers, beautiful lighting to make the businesses appear even more cozy and inviting during the winter months. There's multiple winter festivals.
It's the perfect backdrop to Ober Gatlinburg's addrenaline-filled skiing adventure.
While Ober Gatlinburg is open all year, their biggest draw is – of course – the skiing. Over 900,000 people a year come to visit the ski resort, and most of them will be skiing between mid-December and mid-March (although some people enjoy snow tubing in November).
This is Barido's fourth ski season at Ober Gatlingburg.
Originally from Wisconsin, she's lived in several states, traveling for professional cycling. She moved to the east coast when the opportunity to join a team arrived. But she decided she wanted a “real” job in the area.
With a background in winter sports, Barido was hooked the moment she set foot in Gatlinburg.
“I moved to this county not knowing anything about Gatlinburg. But I was very impressed,” Barido recalled. “There's a lot going on. My first experience was seeing this cute little mountain town. And it had anything you could ever want.”
That mountain town was, of course, Gatlinburg.
And it was fate that Barido would find a job with Ober Gatlinburg. She loves skiing. Cross-country skiing. Mountain biking. Snowboarding. Basically she just loves being outdoors.
“I really like the feeling of skis on the snow when you make turns,” she explained. “You can really get into a groove. It's a different kind of quiet. I love the sounds of going through the snow, whether it's walking or skiing.”
And there's no better place to experience that than Gatlinburg.
Whether you want to see the town from high up above in an aerial tramway and then ski your way down the mountains, or want to enjoy some live music as you try a one-of-a-kind wine, Gatlinburg has got you covered (in snow). There's no better time to experience this winter wonderland in Tennessee than in the heart of the winter months.
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, located on the Little Pigeon River in the heart of Pigeon Forge at the foot-hills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground has sites for every camper's needs!