Spring 2026 Closure & Improvements
Ober Gatlinburg will be closed from April 20 through May 13 for our annual maintenance period. During this time, our team will be hard at work preparing the mountain for an exciting summer season ahead.
This year’s projects include:
Comprehensive Tram maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation
Construction of a new summer tubing hill
Installation of a new disc golf course
Development of a new archery range
And several other upgrades and improvements across the mountain
We appreciate your patience and support as we enhance the Ober experience for all our guests. The mountain will reopen May 14, ready for a summer full of adventure, fresh attractions, and unforgettable views.
Follow us on social media and keep an eye on this page of our website for updates on our progress!
Tubing Hill Near Completion
Day 23 Update
This new tubing hill will provide one of the highest drops of any summer tubing track! With three lanes:
Grannie's Choice
Uncle Chuck's
The Avalanche
Guests will work their way up from the smaller track to the extreme drop for an all-new summer tubing experience unlike anywhere else!
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Smoky's Cafe and Alpine Slice
Day 16 Update
The space formerly occupied by the Sidewalk Cafe is transforming into a new dining concept: Smoky's Cafe. We are also combining Alpine Slice into this space, offering both menus for a more comprehensive selection of options in one ordering process.
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Greasing Bearings
Day 16 Update
To keep every element of the chairlifts in top shape, we regularly grease the bearings and inspect each lift tower. Even though this lift is two years old, we still inspect it as thoroughly as we would with a 20-year-old lift to ensure nothing is overlooked. Safety and smooth operation are our top priority here at Ober Gatlinburg.
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Tram Haul Rope
Day 10 Update
Twice a year we perform this cable adjustment by pulling the Tram cab back with a seven-point pulley system. Then, we can detach the haul rope and remove it from the wedge lock and mechanical socket to trim the length of the cable. The haul rope stretches over time with use and changes in weather. This time we are cutting about seven feet off of the end of the cable, then inspecting every piece of the clamp and wedge lock before reassembling it and attaching back onto the Tram cabin.
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New Concrete
Day 9 Update
The concrete pour for the front entryway was completed. This updated entryway will welcome guests to Ober Gatlinburg for years to come.
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Tram Slack Carriers
Day 5 Update
The Tram Maintenance crew was working high above Gatlinburg, performing maintenance on the slack carriers.
The Tram lines each have nine slack carriers and three are serviced for maintenance every year during this period. The service to the carriers includes inspecting the wheels and bearings, inspecting the frames of the carriers, and torquing all bolts on the assembly to ensure everything is in good shape.
This is just one of many maintenance tasks over the next few weeks that is performed on the Tram to ensure safe and reliable operations during the summer and the next winter season.
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Cable Inspections
Day 4 Update
We removed every chair on Ober Easy lift so crews can inspect the haul rope. The rope is thoroughly inspected every four years to ensure every inch of it is free of any splitting, breaks, or other imperfections that could be a cause of concern. This is one of many preventative maintenance projects we are performing during this shutdown to ensure safe and reliable operation of our equipment throughout the year.
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Mountain Bike Skills Area
Day 4 Update
We are adding to the mountain biking experience with a skills area on the slope of Lower Castle Run. This area will feature a variety of jumps of different sizes and difficulties for riders to work through and experience. A great place to practice and hone your skills!
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New Artificial Turf
Day 4 Update
The new artificial turf surface is making extensive progress. We re-leveled the entire surface and compacted it, then started laying the new turf. We are also utilizing a new method to seal all the seams to ensure it maintains a good look for years to come. The chair swings, inflatable slide, and obstacle course will be placed between the rock-climbing wall and the jump pillow.
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New Tubing Hill
Day 2 Update
This summer say hello to a brand-new tubing experience! Summer tubing has been a staple at Ober for years, but this year the tubing hill is going to another level! Literally - we are going to have one standard lane and two elevated lanes. The second lane will be higher and faster with two rollers along the track and the third lane will extend above the retaining wall and feature three rollers along the way. More speed, more air, more fun! You won't want to miss the new summer tubing here at Ober!
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New Turf and Surface Work
Day 1 Update
We tore out most of the turf outside on the mountain and we are leveling the surface underneath before replacing it with new turf. This will provide a clean, smooth surface for years of enjoyment to come.
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Front Entrance Concrete
Day 1 Update
The front entrance concrete, ramps, and railing are being replaced. We are also cleaning up the entrances to provide a warm welcome to our guests.
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Cafe Remodel
Day 1 Update
The Sidewalk Cafe is getting a complete overhaul and a new name! Alpine Slice is combining with Smoky's Grill in this new space to provide two great food options in one space. The new space ditches the old wood paneling with a beautiful and modern new layout for a great new dining experience.
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