One of my favorite places to go with my family during the winter months is the fantastic town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. First settled nearly two hundred years ago in 1807, Gatlinburg is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a favorite tourist destination for Tennessee visitors year round. But it is the winter season that really brings out the best Gatlinburg has to offer.
Before getting into all of the wonderful winter activities available in Gatlinburg, you need to know where to stay to get the maximum benefit and the most memories out of your visit. There is a terrific assortment of lodging available, allowing you the freedom to choose from hotels, lodges, condominiums, cabins, and bed and breakfasts suitable for every budget. One of the more fantastic places to stay is the Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast, with its amazing views of Mt. Leconte and the Great Smoky Mountains. Balconies overlook downtown Gatlinburg and the Foxtrot is only minutes away from skiing, hiking, shopping, dining and other great Gatlinburg activities.
Once you figure out where you want to stay, you need to know what’s going on in Gatlinburg during the winter. One of our favorite activities is taking the tram up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park high above the town that has lots of stuff for adults and kids alike. The ski resort has eight ski trails (seven tree lined and one open), and all slopes are maintained with snow grooming equipment that gives you a smooth, consistent surface.
Ober Gatlinburg has two beginner runs, four intermediate runs, and two advanced runs, with the longest being 5,000 feet. The lifts can accommodate up to 6,000 skiers per hour and night skiing is available on all but one trail. And don’t worry if you can’t ski that well, or at all. Lessons are available, or if you prefer you can rent a snowboard. Ober Gatlinburg also has an indoor ice arena that is at the center of a giant enclosed mall. At only $8.00 per person, the price is quite reasonable.
For absolutely breath-taking mountain views, try the scenic chair lift, a scenic fifteen minute ride with lots of fantastic photo opportunities. The amusement park portion of Ober Gatlinburg features lots of indoor activities that allow you to get out of the cold for a little while. You and your family can kill some time in the arcade, try the bungee run, or tackle the Velcro wall jump. While inside you can take advantage of some of Gatlinburg’s best shopping, including a great sportswear shop that can furnish you with all of your skiing or winter clothing needs.
There’s more to do in Gatlinburg than just the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort and amusement park. There is an absolutely humongous aquarium (the kids especially love the underwater tunnel) and a relaxing Winter Magic Trolley Ride that gives you a guided tour of Gatlinburg’s Winterfest lighting displays. For only $4.00, this is a scenic treat you shouldn’t miss.
And for a terrific winter celebration, Gatlinburg offers this year the 17th Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest which runs from now through February 28, 2007 and is listed as one of the “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society. No matter how you spend your winter vacation in Gatlinburg, you’re sure to leave relaxed by the enjoyable winter activities and the amazing Smoky Mountain environment. Give it a try. You never know, maybe some Tennessee mountain magic will rub off on you.
