On the hunt for a new way to experience the beauty and excitement of Ober Gatlinburg? Hit up the Ski Mountain Coaster, which takes you on an exciting journey through a magical mountain landscape. Lasting over five minutes, this heart-racing adventure exposes you to all kinds of twists and turns as you navigate lush foliage on your way down the mountain.
Once you find your way to the front of the line and take your place in your car, you’ll be impressed by just how comfortable this ride is. Ample space is offered for taller riders or groups of two. High backrests further encourage you to relax. Throughout the duration of the ride, you will feel perfectly at ease.
After you’re secure in your car and ready to go, you’ll begin your excursion with a relaxing journey to the ride’s peak. This is your chance to take in the natural beauty of Ober Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains in general. The exact nature of the scenery will depend largely on when you visit; the autumn foliage is especially beautiful, but there’s also plenty to love about the spring and summer views. If you’re lucky, you might also spot local wildlife.
After a brief, but enjoyable ascent, you’ll reach the top — where the real fun begins. Get ready for 2,750 feet of zigzags, corkscrews, and G-force excitement. Curves and dips abound, ensuring thrills for the full duration of your ride. If you’re feeling daring, you can travel at the coaster’s top speed of 25 miles per hour. This might not seem fast at first glance, but your perception will change once you’re in a small car hugging the track’s every curve and dip.
While Ober’s Ski Mountain Coaster primarily appeals to dedicated thrill-seekers, the attraction is perfectly accessible to those who typically avoid intense rides. For those less enthused by fast rides, the secret to a good time lies in the extensive control that this coaster grants. Rather than follow a predetermined speed — as you would with a conventional roller coaster — you’re welcome to navigate the ride at your own pace. Slower rides are common among those who share the experience with young children. No matter your preferred pace, the ride’s short brake levers make it easy to maintain full control.
Don’t worry about whether you and the drivers around you are traveling at the same pace. While it’s important to be cognizant of other riders, the brakes on your car will automatically engage if it comes within a predetermined distance of the next vehicle. Likewise, signs throughout the ride will tell you when it’s advisable to slow down. Beyond this, however, you’re encouraged to control your car’s speed as you see fit.
Once you’ve come to the end of your journey, you’ll be eager to return to the top for another try. Some visitors enjoy as many as three rides in a single outing. No matter how many times you navigate this thrilling track, you’ll be glad you embraced your spirit of adventure.
Insider Tips
-If possible, aim to visit the coaster outside of peak afternoon hours. Weekday mornings are generally safest, although your mileage will vary. If you prefer to experience the ride at high speeds, you probably won’t enjoy the increased presence of other riders on the track when the attraction is busy.
-For any adventure involving more than one rider, at least one participant must be 18 years or older. Ages under 3 cannot ride. Note: there is also a 300 pound weight limit per car and it is not wheelchair accessible.