Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg

Looking for a memorable way to spend Easter morning? What better way than celebrating amongst the trees in one of the most majestic settings of all – nature, and just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More specifically, atop Mount Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg’s Annual Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) is a sight to see each and every year with an inspirational message given at one of the most inspiring places int he Smokies. The region’s beauty really stands out when both locals from the community and visitors staying in the area gather at Ober Gatlinburg for this memorable worship service.

This will be the 16th year that Ober has held mountain top services at the resort. In all, it’s a 30-40 minute high mountain service which is led by local pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association. The offering collected during the service will be used by the Association in assisting the county’s needy.

As host for the Sunrise Service, the staff of Ober Gatlinburg will provide worshipers with free tram rides to the mountain top beginning at 5:45 A.M. and continuing at 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 A.M. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive up the mountain. A breakfast buffet will be available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7:15 – 10:30 A.M.

Recent Snowfall a Hit at Ober

Despite all the area power outages, delays, traffic pileups, etc., as well as the bad Newfound Gap Road collapse, the recent snowfall blast that occurred last week did have a positive effect on one local entity – Ober Gatlinburg.

Ober was already operating at greater capacity due to some upgrades in snow making equipment that were purchased during the off season. With the added real snow from last week’s storm, slopes were fully covered and skiers were taking advantage of the conditions.

The forecast for the coming week calls for cold temperatures at night and a number of sunny days which meas Ober should continue to see busy slopes for the foreseeable future.

It was reported that just one day after the snowfall, lefts and slopes were as busy as they’ve been this season, and last. For many, it was just what the resort needed.

Thursday’s big snowfall packed on an extra 6-10 inches of snow according to Ober staff. The more snow, the easier it is to enjoy the slopes and it makes the resort that much more enjoyable and attractive.

The additional helping of wintery weather also allowed Ober Gatlinburg to open the resort’s tubing course for additional days. Ober had originally been running the tubing area just two days a week prior.

The appeal of the slopes also brought out-of-town visitors, meaning more money to be spent in the town of Gatlinburg and its Smoky Mountain neighbors of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

The staff at Ober expects the slopes to be busy in the weeks ahead with several hundred bookings already.

Ober Gatlinburg Turns 50

There’s a BIG birthday to celebrate this year, but it isn’t just anyone in particular’s birthday. It’s Ober Gatlinburg’s, and the popular ski resort is turning a very robust 50 and looking even better with age.

With Sunday at Ober Gatlinburg being the first day of ski season after opening day was pushed back a few weeks, now’s an even better time to experience one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions.

Skiers were anxious to hit the slopes this year after 2012 when Ober was forced to close early due to unseasonably warm weather.

In all seriousness, 50 never looked better on anyone than it did at Ober this past weekend. With all the new snow, skiers no matter the age and experience, were slipping and sliding on the fresh slopes. The recent low temperatures made for some great new snowmaking.

Ober officials said with the amount of snow making equipment, and the conditions, three slopes were open on the first day which made for a busy afternoon and night. December 10 is what Ober usually shoots for every year as an opening date. With just a few weeks behind their target, guests seemed pleased despite the late opening.

Ober provides a much needed burst of economic productivity for the area to go along with the holiday tourism season.

As previously mentioned, Sunday marked the start of Ober’s 50th ski season and the day’s turnout couldn’t have been better. Over 1,000 skiers skied Ober’s slopes between its two sessions Sunday. A busy 2013 looks to be on the horizon.

*Ober Gatlinburg offers 9 trails for their guests from beginners to expert skiers. They are also equipped should you not have your own skis or snowboard. Their rental fleet contains 1,800 pairs of shaped skis and 400 snowboards, and the staff is more than happy to get you set up and ready to hit the slopes. Renting at Ober doesn’t just mean skis and snowboards, you can also rent ski pants, jackets, and helmets. They’ve really got you covered.

Skiing in Gatlinburg, TN

Details about Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort…the only place to ski in Gatlinburg, TN. Get lift ticket rates, ski reports, etc and find out why skiing in Gatlinburg, TN is the perfect winter activity for you family, friends, church groups, and more!

 

* Ober’s new Snow Magic system continues to make snow in the tubing park and plans are to open snow tubing Friday, November 16th.

Think you have to go out west or to the northeast to enjoy great skiing? Think again! A trip to Gatlinburg, TN means you can enjoy winter sports in the heart of the south!

The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is a centerpiece in Gatlinburg, offering visitors a buffet of winter sports to enjoy! Experience skiing and snowboarding on eight different trails, varying from easy to difficult. All trails take you on an exciting adventure down the slopes of the Smoky Mountains, offering spectacular views of snowy peaks, wintry forests, and thrilling skylines! If you are a beginning skier, or have never skied before, you don’t have to be left out of all the fun! The Smoky Mountain Snow Sport School, located at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, offers lessons for individuals and groups! This is a fun way for families, friends, or corporate groups to learn to ski, while bonding together.

If you don’t have your own skis or gear, don’t worry! You can rent everything you need at the gear store, located in the resort. They have clothing and gear available for rental in a variety of sizes, for both kids and adults!

In the warmer months, Ober Gatlinburg’s Amusement park is filled with fun and excitement for the entire family! Enjoy the Alpine Slide, indoor ice arena, and scenic chairlift. There is also a waterslide, arcade, bumper cars, pirate ship, bungee jumping, Velcro jump wall, shooting range, and mini golfing! You can spend days and days with your family, and never enjoy the same adventure twice!
Enjoy winter sports with a touch of Southern hospitality at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the winter mountain views! Be sure to see our links to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort lift ticket rates and ski reports.