Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tennessee in the Winter

While Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great place to visit no matter time of year it is, you may be planning your next big family vacation as a winter trip to this beautiful place. When you time your visit just right, you will be grateful for Gatlinburg the way it is appreciated best in the winter, which is with a beautiful blanket of snow. The reason why this city stands out on the map is because it is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, a popular tourist spot. Before you book your hotel and make other travel arrangements, you want to be sure you know the top activities you cannot miss in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Obviously, a visit to anywhere mountainous in the winter calls for skiing or snowboarding. A resort on the top of a mountain in Gatlinburg, called Ober Gatlinburg, is both a skiing and amusement location you must take the time to visit. You can access it by car or by taking a tram ride from downtown to the top of the mountain. If you choose the tram option, it is quite affordable-about $10 per ticket, and children age six and under ride free. Ski tickets are $30 on weekdays and $47 on weekends with less expensive children tickets. With eight trails of varying difficulty, all levels of skiers and snowboarders can appreciate a trip to Ober Gatlinburg.

Then, there is Wilderness Wildlife Week held in January. This is a time for outdoor enthusiasts to get their fix. There are seminars, guided hikes, animal and plant life classes, and discussions on the history of the area. Of course, to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere, there are also classes specifically geared toward children that you can attend with your kids.

The Smoky Mountain Winterfest is the final activity you will not want to miss out on during your trip to Gatlinburg. The event is hosted with a combined effort from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The idea is to bring the holiday spirit to those visiting the area. With all the snow and the thousands of Christmas lights, you will think you have been transported to the North Pole! Despite this amazing event and what you can expect from your time visiting Gatlinburg at this time of year, it is still considered off-season, which means you will find great deals on hotel rooms and other reservations while enjoying a full-filled vacation with your family.