Snow Tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow or Ober Mountain

You've got two solid options for snow tubing in the Smokies – Pigeon Forge Snow and Ober Mountain. Pigeon Forge Snow's your year-round indoor choice at $29.99/hour with 15 lanes of real snow and no reservations needed. It's like winter whenever you want it, minus the frozen nose. Ober Mountain brings the outdoor thrill with a 400-foot track and 50-foot drop, but you'll pay more ($35-45) and need to book a 90-minute slot. Both spots have magic carpet rides up, strict height requirements, and provide tubes. The unique snow-making processes at these venues? Now that's where things get interesting.

Article At A Glance

• Pigeon Forge Snow offers year-round indoor tubing for $29.99/hour with walk-ins welcome, while Ober Mountain requires 90-minute session bookings.
• Pigeon Forge Snow has 15 lanes at room temperature, while Ober Mountain features a 400-foot track with 50-foot vertical drop.
• Both venues provide magic carpet rides to the top and real snow, with strict safety requirements for height and weight.
• Weekday mornings offer shorter wait times at both locations, with fresh snow grooming available during opening hours.
• Pigeon Forge Snow requires 38-inch height minimum, while Ober Mountain requires 42 inches and age 5 for solo riding.

Best Time to Visit

Planning your snow tubing adventure in Pigeon Forge requires careful timing consideration at both available venues. Let's be real – nobody wants to waste precious vacation time standing in endless lines like cattle.

For Pigeon Forge Snow, you've got it easy. They're open 365 days a year, like a trusty convenience store. Rain or shine, doesn't matter. Just waltz in whenever you feel like getting your snow fix. Pro tip: weekday mornings are your best bet for avoiding the tourist stampede.

Ober Mountain's a different beast altogether. You'll need to:

• Book specific 90-minute sessions (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., or 5 p.m.)
• Show up early – trust me, parking's a nightmare
• Avoid holiday weekends unless you enjoy standing in line for hours
• Consider all-day tubing if you're a hardcore snow enthusiast

Here's the brutal truth: both places get packed faster than a pizza joint on Super Bowl Sunday. Your best strategy? Hit either spot right when they open, preferably mid-week. Each rider can enjoy 70-foot drop thrills at the base of the main tubing hill, making the early arrival totally worth it.

Early birds catch the worm, and in this case, they catch the freshly groomed lanes and shorter wait times.

Getting There and Parking

Once you've picked the perfect time for your snow tubing adventure, you'll need to know how to reach these winter wonderlands.

Let's face it – nothing kills the fun faster than getting lost in the Smokies like a confused tourist.

For Pigeon Forge Snow, you're in luck – it's basically impossible to miss. From The Island, just cruise down Teaster Lane for a mile, and boom – there it's on your right. You can easily spot the building with its distinctive snowflake decorations on the exterior.

Coming from Sevierville or Gatlinburg? Hit traffic light #3 on the Parkway, and you'll be there before you can say "snow day."

Ober Mountain's a different beast altogether. You've got two options, and neither is perfect.

Drive up Ski Mountain Road (good luck with that parking situation), or take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg.

Here's the deal:

• Driving? Get there early, or you'll be circling like a vulture
• Taking the tram? Pack your patience – peak times mean two-hour waits
• Bad weather? Four-wheel drive or chains might be your only ticket up

Pro tip: The tram's your best bet during busy seasons. Sure, you'll wait, but it beats playing parking lot roulette any day.

Ticket Options and Pricing

The ticket options at Pigeon Forge Snow and Ober Mountain will fit different budgets and schedules. It's pretty straightforward at Pigeon Forge Snow – you'll pay $29.99 for an hour of tubing, no drama. Ober Mountain's pricing is a bit more complicated, with weekday sessions at $35 and weekend slots jumping to $45. Talk about weekend surge pricing! The terrain park features at Ober Mountain provide extra entertainment options for freestyle enthusiasts.

Let's be real – if you're the spontaneous type who hates planning ahead, Pigeon Forge Snow is your jam. No reservations needed, just show up and slide! But if you're cool with planning and want more bang for your buck, Ober Mountain's 90-minute sessions are sweet. Plus, they've got this awesome deal where kids 3-4 ride free with a paying adult. Just remember – Ober Mountain sells out faster than concert tickets, so don't snooze on booking!

Snow Tubing Experience

Now that you've got your tickets sorted, you're in for an epic snow tubing adventure at either venue. Let's break down what you'll actually experience at these winter wonderlands.

At Pigeon Forge Snow, you're looking at pure indoor bliss. Imagine this: 15 lanes of real snow in a climate-controlled paradise that's not freezing your face off. It's like having winter on your terms – no bulky coats needed. Remember that one person per tube is strictly enforced for everyone's safety. You'll zip down those lanes feeling like an Olympic bobsledder, minus the spandex suit.

Ober Gatlinburg's taking it to the next level with that sweet 400-foot track and 50-foot vertical drop. It's the real deal, outdoor mountain experience. Their groomed tracks are smoother than a freshly waxed sports car, and the views? Absolutely killer.

Both spots hook you up with:

• Magic carpet rides to the top (no exhausting climbs)
• Real snow under your tube
• Multiple lanes to race your friends
• 90-minute sessions to get your adrenaline fix

Here's the kicker – Pigeon Forge Snow lets you build snowmen and have snowball fights year-round. In July. In Tennessee. How ridiculous is that?

Safety Guidelines and Age Requirements

Safety comes first when hitting the slopes, and both tubing venues maintain strict guidelines to keep everyone protected. Think of these rules as your snow-day survival guide – they're not just mindless restrictions, they're your ticket to an epic adventure without ending up as a human snowball. You must sit in the tube's center for maximum stability and control.

At Pigeon Forge Snow, you'll need to be at least 38 inches tall (sorry, tiny tots) and under 375 pounds. Pretty straightforward stuff.

Ober Mountain's a bit more structured – you've got to be 42 inches tall and at least 5 to ride solo, or 3-4 years old with an adult chaperone.

Here's what you absolutely need to know before hitting either venue:

1. You can't bring your own gear – both places provide the tubes, so leave your vintage sled at home.
2. One person per tube – no trying to recreate the Titanic scene with your bestie.
3. Stay off the slopes if you're pregnant or have serious medical conditions.
4. Follow staff instructions like they're gospel – these folks know their snow.

No booze, no loose items, and definitely no showing off. Just pure, unadulterated winter fun – if you follow the rules.

Additional Mountain Activities

Beyond snow tubing, winter enthusiasts can plunge into a flurry of activities at these mountain destinations. Let's face it – you're not just here to slide down a hill on an inflatable donut. These spots are packed with winter-wonderland fun that'll make you forget about your boring everyday life.

Want to feel like a pro athlete? Hit Ober Mountain's ski slopes – they've got everything from bunny hills for newbies to runs that'll make your heart race. You're not stuck just watching others have fun – grab some rental gear and take a lesson. Trust me, it's better than sitting at home watching cat videos. The magic carpet lift makes getting back to the top a breeze.

For a truly epic experience, hop on Ober Mountain's Scenic Chairlift. It's like floating 779 feet up in the clouds, minus the airplane food and crying babies. Want something more chill? Build a snowman in The Snow Zone – just don't try throwing snowballs, or you'll get busted. The rules are clear on that one, folks.

Did You Know?

While most snow parks require freezing temperatures to operate, Pigeon Forge Snow achieves the seemingly impossible – creating real snow in 70-degree temperatures.

The facility uses a unique process that manipulates air pressure and temperature to transform regular tap water into genuine snow crystals.

What's even more fascinating is that the snow-making process is so pure and chemical-free that if all the snow in the facility were to melt, it would only produce enough water to fill an average swimming pool – despite covering 35,000 square feet of tubing and play area. Visitors can enjoy eleven tubing lanes spread across this expansive snowy landscape.

10 Weird Facts

10 Weird Facts About Snow Tubing in Pigeon Forge:

1. Pigeon Forge Snow operates at room temperature (60-70°F) while maintaining real snow, making it the first indoor snow facility of its kind in the United States.
2. The Snow Magic system at Ober Mountain can produce snow when outdoor temperatures are as high as 70°F using a special protein called Snomax.
3. Rowdy Bear's summer tubing lanes use a specialized synthetic material that mimics snow's slick properties but doesn't melt in heat.
4. Indoor snow at Pigeon Forge Snow is completely real water-based snow, not artificial material, despite the warm indoor temperature.
5. The Magic Carpet Conveyors used at Rowdy Bear are similar to moving walkways at airports but designed to work in snowy conditions.
6. Ober Mountain's snow-making system maintains precise water-to-air pressure ratios that must be constantly monitored to create the perfect snow consistency.
7. The 500-foot tubing run at Rowdy Bear features LED light shows synchronized with music, creating a disco-like atmosphere on snow.
8. Pigeon Forge Snow recycles its snow through a closed-loop system, making it environmentally sustainable.
9. The snow-making process at Ober Mountain uses microscopic ice nucleators that help water droplets freeze more efficiently.
10. Rowdy Bear's canopied tubing hill is the only one in Tennessee that offers both summer and winter tubing on the same track with different surfaces.

References:

• Pigeon Forge Snow Official Website
• Ober Mountain Operations Manual
• Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park Documentation
• Snow Magic Systems Technical Specifications
• Tennessee Tourism Development Authority Records

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lockers Available to Store Personal Belongings During Snow Tubing Sessions?

You'll want to check directly with the facilities about locker availability since this information isn't publicly listed. It's best to bring only essential items or leave valuables in your car.

Can I Bring My Own Snow Tube or Do I Need to Rent?

With hundreds of daily tubers hitting the slopes, you'll need to use the provided tubes at both locations. You can't bring your own – it's all about maintaining safety standards and consistent equipment.

Is There Food and Drink Available On-Site During Tubing Sessions?

You'll find food and drinks at all tubing locations. If you're hungry, you can grab snacks, hot chocolate, and other refreshments on-site. Each venue has different options, from quick bites to full meals.

What Should I Wear for Snow Tubing at These Locations?

Like an onion, you'll want to layer up! Start with moisture-wicking thermals, add a cozy fleece, and top with waterproof snow pants and jacket. Don't forget warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves, and hat.

Are There Photographers On-Site to Capture Memories of the Experience?

You'll find professional photographers ready to capture your thrills at Pigeon Forge Snow, with photos available for purchase before leaving. At Ober Mountain, Jensen Imaging provides photos, though they mainly focus on ski slopes.

Wrap Up

Whether you choose Pigeon Forge Snow or Ober Mountain, you're in for an adrenaline rush that'll turn you into a human pinball on snow. You can't go wrong with either spot. They're both solid choices for winter fun, even in summer's heat. The memories you'll make? Totally worth it. Just grab your crew, bundle up, and get ready to zoom down those slopes like there's no tomorrow.