What to know about snow tubing in the Smokies: Pricing, reservation requirements and more
The Great Smoky Mountains area is a hugely popular winter destination. Though the winter weather may be unpredictable, you can still find places to enjoy snow tubing in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas on just about any given day:
Rowdy Bear Snow Park (Pigeon Forge, TN)
Rowdy Bear is a popular spot to go snow tubing outdoors in Pigeon Forge, promising a thrilling 70-ft drop over a 500-ft hill. They also have a magic carpet to make getting back up the hill easier. And here’s the best news: Rowdy Bear occasionally offers deals on their Groupon page. I recommend that you book online because snow tubing is subject to sell out, especially during holiday periods and weekends. At the time of this writing, snow tubing is $36.99 per rider. Riders must be 40 inches tall with an adult, or 48 inches tall to ride solo.
- 2155 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
- rowdybearmountain.com
- (865) 365-1883
- Reservations are strongly recommended
Ober Mountain (Gatlinburg, TN)
For years, Ober Mountain (formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg) has been one of the main attractions in the Gatlinburg area. Snow tubing at Ober is seasonal and ranges from $35-45. Buying in advance is highly recommended. Sessions often sell out completely, both online or in-person, especially during holidays and weekends. Tubers should be at least five years old. Children ages 3 and 4 may ride with a paid adult. Sessions are 90 minutes long. They have a magic carpet that takes you back up to the top of the hill. Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss your session time, especially if you plan to take the scenic Aerial Tramway to get there. Of course, you can also drive up and park directly at the attraction as well. Ober also offers ice skating, ice bumper cars and several other activities.
- 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
- obermountain.com
- (865) 436-5423
- Reservations highly recommended
Tube World at Cataloochee Ski Area (Maggie Valley, NC)
Cataloochee Ski Area is a great place to go snow tubing as long as you’re willing to travel a bit further from the Pigeon Forge area. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley offers tubing with groomed slopes that are specifically designed for inner tubes. The moving carpet takes riders to the top of the hill for added convenience. Tube World is an hour and a half drive from the Pigeon Forge area and is a separate location from the main Cataloochee Ski Area. Sessions last for one hour and 45 minutes. Riders must be 42 inches tall to ride. For children under 42 inches, they have “wee bowl” where children can play in the snow and with inner tubes. Pricing ranges from $35-40 for tubing and $10 for “wee bowling”.
- 4721 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
- cataloochee.com/tube-world
- (828) 926-0285
- Reservations are recommended two weeks in advance
Pigeon Forge Snow (Pigeon Forge, TN)
If you haven’t purchased tickets and all of the snow tubing locations are sold out, you’re not completely out of luck. Pigeon Forge Snow offers real snow – and promises no usage of chemicals – that never melts away. No reservations are required. Tubers have to be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old. However, anyone can enjoy their play area, regardless of age or height. Also, be sure to bring at least a light jacket since it will be cool inside (about 65-70 degrees). And even though this snow is real, please don’t eat any. (Seriously, that is one of the few rules). Tubing for one hour starts at $29.99 and snow play is $9.99 for 30 minutes at the time of this writing.
- 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN
- pigeonforgesnow.com
- (865) 366-1334
- No reservations are required, but you can sign their waiver online to save time
Have YOU been tubing during your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains? Let me know in the comments!
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