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If you’re looking for a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy, snow tubing near Gatlinburg is a great option!
There are several places to go within a short drive of the city, with one in town, and the best part is that you can do it year round with indoor snow tubing.
What is Snow Tubing?
Snow tubing is an activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or athleticism. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something to do that is both active and relaxing. You don’t need any special equipment or skills, and it’s a fun way to spend a day outdoors in the winter.
How is it different from skiing or sledding?
The biggest difference between snow tubing and other winter activities like skiing or sledding is that you don’t need any special equipment or skills to do it. All you need is a tube and a hill, and you’re good to go!
Snow tubing is also a great option if you’re looking for something that is a little less strenuous than skiing or sledding. It’s the perfect activity for people of all ages and abilities. Most snow tubing desinations have a conveyor to take you and your tube back up to the top of the hill with minimal effort on your part.
The best places to go snow tubing near Gatlinburg:
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a total experience unto itself. In the winter, it’s transformed into a winter wonderland with snow machines to keep the snow tubing and skiing running smoothly. The Ober Gatlinburg ski area has been running as a since the 1960’s, so they know a lot about snow sports in the Smokies.
General Info: There is a “magic carpet” outdoor escalator to take you back up the hill for as many times as you like during your session. They offer 90 minute snow tubing sessions. Snow tubing here begins November 19, 2002. Children 3 and 4 ride free with a paying adult, and children under 3 are not allowed to ride.
Things to Do: Besides snow tubing, there is also indoor ice skating, ice bumper cars, an alpine slide, a scenic chairlift, a ski mountain coaster, a tramway mall and more. Even when there is no snow this is a great place to visit.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Ober Gatlinburg is to ride their aerial tramway! You can find the aerial tramway station in downtown Gatlinburg. This amazing ride will take you up the mountain in style, and you’ll get amazing views of the Smoky Mountains along the way. You can also drive up to the top of the mountain to enjoy the fun.
Learn more about Ober Gatlinburg Snow Tubing here
Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
This is the newest snow tubing near Gatlinburg, with the longest outdoor snow tubing hill in Tennessee. These lanes are over 500′ in length with a 70′ drop with real snow!
In the warmer months, they transform these lanes into a summer outdoor tubing area, so the fun continues in the summer months, too!
General Info: This park offers 2 “magic carpet” conveyors to take you back to the top of the hill as many times as you like during your 90 minute session. Children must be 40″ tall to ride with an adult over 18 and 48″ tall to ride alone.
Things to Do: Besides the tubing, there is also the Ski Lift Shootout Coaster that you can add to your tubing session, the avalanche snow coaster, outdoor axe throwing and a playground, plus a cafe for some hot chocolate and other goodies.
How to Get There: The Smoky Mountain Snowpark is located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN, beside the Local Goat restaurant and near the Titanic Museum. They offer free parking.
Learn more about the Rowdy Bear Ridge here
Pigeon Forge Snow
Pigeon Forge Snow is a great option if you’re looking for indoor snow tubing. They are America’s first indoor snow park! The temperature inside is always 60-70 degrees, so you won’t need a heavy jacket – but you will see REAL snow! Besides the tubing hills, there is also a snow play area. Open year round and daily.
General Info: Sessions here are one hour long as opposed to 90 minutes, and the snow play costs extra. You can bundle the tubing and snow play if you want to do both. Children must be at least 38″ tall and 3 years old to ride but anyone can do the snow play, so it’s a great option for small children while their older siblings (and maybe a parent) are in the snow tubing area. At least they can make snow angels while they wait.
Things to Do: There’s not as much to do here as there is at the other locations, but then again, it IS inside! Snow tubing and snow play are the only two activities for snowy fun. You will find a second level for those who aren’t tubing to watch and enjoy the snack bar.
How to Get There: Pigeon Forge Snow tubing is located just off the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge at 2533 Teaster Lane (which is also a great road to know about to avoid the Parkway… just saying).
Learn more about Pigeon Forge snow here
North Carolina
If you’re willing to drive a little bit further, there are several snow tubing destinations in North Carolina that are within a three hour drive of Gatlinburg, but with these three great options right nearby, I’m not sure it’s worth the drive.
How to Prepare for a Day of Snow Tubing
The best way to prepare for a day of snow tubing is to dress warmly. You’ll want to wear layers that you can peel off as you start to get warm from the activity. Even at Pigeon Forge Snow we dress in layers.
You’ll also want to make sure if you’re doing outdoor snow tubing that you have a pair of gloves and waterproof boots. This will help keep you dry and warm, and prevent you from getting too cold.
The outdoor hills run regardless of weather conditions so make sure you are there at your reserved time even if it’s not the best weather that day.
Outdoor snow tubing gets busy on weekends and holiday periods, so be prepared to come early, and purchase tickets in advance because they are in high demand. There have been reports of a wait time of 2 hours to get to Ober Gatlinburg when it’s at its busiest, and if you miss your reserved time you lose out, so make sure to plan ahead.
How Much Does it Cost to Go Snow Tubing?
The cost of snow tubing varies depending on where you go. Most places charge by the hour, and the price usually ranges from $30-$40 per hour or 90 minute session, depending upon the location.
Some places charge more for adults and others are one price, so check ahead via the links above to verify the cost before you go.
Tips for Enjoying Your Day of Snow Tubing
1. Dress warmly: This is the most important tip! You’ll want to wear layers that you can peel off as you start to get warm from the activity.
2. Bring a backpack: Pack a backpack with snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up and hydrated throughout the day.
3. Take pictures: Don’t forget to bring a camera or have your phone handy so you can capture all the fun!
4. Have fun: The most important thing is to relax and have fun!Snow tubing is a great activity for people of all ages. It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors in the winter, and you don’t need any special equipment or skills to do it.
If you’re looking for something to do near Gatlinburg, TN, snow tubing is a great option! There are several places to go snow tubing near Gatlinburg, and they are all great choices.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a tube and head to the nearest snow tubing hill!