10 Fun Things to Do at Ober Mountain in the Summer
July 17, 2025While Ober Mountain may be known as a winter destination, this Gatlinburg attraction has a lot to offer year-round! There are so many fun activities to experience at this attraction during the warmer months, from thrilling rides to scenic adventures. Here are some of the can’t-miss things to do at Ober Mountain in the summer:
1. Gatlinburg Tram
The Gatlinburg Tram at Ober Mountain is a can’t-miss experience! As one of America’s largest aerial tramways, this ride takes you on a 2.1-mile flight over the Smokies from downtown Gatlinburg to the mountaintop attraction. Soar hundreds of feet above the ground in a 120-passenger tram car and gain more than 1,000 feet in elevation. This ride not only provides a convenient lift to the mountaintop but also offers a great way to enjoy stunning views! Get a bird’s-eye view of downtown Gatlinburg below and the breathtaking Smoky Mountains all around!
2. Wildlife Habitat
The Wildlife Habitat is a favorite attraction at Ober Mountain! This is your chance to visit some of the amazing animals that call the Smoky Mountains home! Meet interesting animal friends like Smoky Mountain black bears, river otters, bobcats, racoons, skunks, owls, snakes, and much more. This experience is complimentary to all guests, giving you the opportunity to watch these creatures play as long as you’d like during your visit!
3. Smoky Mountain Bobsled
The Smoky Mountain Bobsled is an exciting alpine slide where you’re in control! The sled-like carts have push/pull levers that allow you to control your own speed as you wind down the 1,800-foot tracks. You can race your friends and family down the mountainside on side-by-side tracks for some friendly competition, or enjoy a peaceful descent to take in the beautiful views!
4. Ice Skating
Looking for ways to cool off this summer? Ober Mountain’s indoor ice skating arena is the perfect summertime activity! You can find the skating rink in the enclosed mall on the mountaintop. It’s open for all ages and skill levels, and rental skates are available from Toddler Size 6 to Adult Size 15. There are handrails around the entire 140-foot by 75-foot arena, making it easy for beginners to keep their balance.
5. Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster
One of the most exciting things to do at Ober Mountain in the summer is riding the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster! Your ride starts with a peaceful 1,000-foot climb through the trees, during which you can sit back and enjoy the natural scenery. When you reach the top of the track, you take charge as you wind your way through twists, turns, drops, and corkscrews! The self braking system puts you in control of your speed, allowing you to choose between a high-speed ride or a leisurely journey downhill.
6. Downhill Mountain Biking
Feel the rush of speed and experience the stunning beauty of nature with Ober Mountain’s Downhill Mountain Biking! A chairlift transports you and your bike to the top of the mountain, so you don’t need to worry about an exhausting uphill climb. Then, zoom down the trails while surrounded by lush forests and panoramic mountain views! Riders of all ages are welcome, and lessons, rental bikes, and protective gear are all available.
7. Summer Tubing
Want to experience the thrill of Ober Mountain snow tubing during the warmer months? Summer Tubing offers all the fun of snow tubing without the wet snow or cold temperatures! The Magic Carpet carries you and your tube to the top of the hill, and then you can race down one of the four 250-foot tubing lanes! The slippery synthetic material provides the same sensation and excitement of tubing down snow!
8. Sky Village Express Chairlift
Ober Mountain is home to one of the best chairlifts in Gatlinburg! The Sky Village Express Chairlift is a great way to experience breathtaking views any time of the year, including in the summer. The chairlift carries you an impressive 779 above the mountaintop park and travels 1,650 feet higher than any other Gatlinburg chairlift! At the top, there’s a huge elevated observation deck where you can sit back and enjoy some of the best views around!
9. Igloo Snow Zone
Did you know that you can have snowy fun at Ober Mountain even during the warmer months? Thanks to their Snow Magic machines, the Igloo Snow Zone allows you to experience snowy fun inside a giant igloo no matter the weather! This is the perfect place for all ages to play in the snow and cool off on a warm summer day!
10. Cloud Catcher Zipline Experience
The Cloud Catcher Zipline Experience at Ober Mountain has the highest starting point of any Smoky Mountain zipline! Your adventure starts with a ride on the Sky Village Express Chairlift to the peak of Mt. Harrison. From there, your zipline journey will take you soaring high above the Smokies! Each zip has four parallel lines so you can race your friends and family. You won’t want to miss your chance to experience the 3,200-foot-long line that stretches more than 300 feet above the ground!
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg Near Ober Mountain
You’ll definitely want to visit Ober Mountain during your Gatlinburg summer vacation to experience all these fun activities! Our downtown Gatlinburg condos are nestled just a few minutes away from the mountaintop park by car, or it’s just a short walk to hop on the aerial tramway on the main Parkway. At our condos, you can stay conveniently close to this attraction and many other family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg in the summer! Browse our downtown Gatlinburg condo rentals today to find the perfect place to stay during your summer vacation!
