GUIDE TO OBER GATLINBURG

Ober Gatlinburg sits in the mountains southwest of town. You can reach it either by road or via the aerial tramway that berths in downtown Gatlinburg. The downtown station sits at 1001 Parkway #2 and carries riders 2.1 miles to Ober Gatlinburg. The tram runs from morning until evening and tickets start at $19 for adults.

Since Ober Gatlinburg sits among the mountains, weather can depend. Winter months tend to bring snow and cold weather while the summer months feature more moderate temperatures. There are some webcams so you can see the conditions.

You don't have to be a skier or a snowboarder to enjoy the snow at Ober Gatlinburg. There are plenty of chances to go snow tubing at the park. Prices start at $30 per 90-minute session for those ages 5 and up. The slope is 350 feet long with a 50-foot drop. There's no climbing involved thanks to the outdoor escalator called the Magic Carpet that takes you back up to the top. Tickets are required to go on the slopes and you must schedule a specific time. You can buy tickets on Ober Gatlinburg's website.

Ober Gatlinburg sits among a lot of natural beauty and both the alpine slide and mountain coaster offer great ways to experience it all. The alpine slide is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is available during all seasons but weather determines if the ride is available. Visitors will ride a sled-like cart that has a lever to control how past you go down this 1,800-foot track.

The mountain coaster is also available year round as well. It is a roller coaster where riders control the speed. It starts with a slow 1,000-foot stretch before reaching the top. After that, riders will zip through 2,750 feet of turns, dips, zig-zags and corkscrews, reaching speeds of 25 miles per hour. Both rides are great ways to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Tennessee mountains.