Ober Gatlinburg to Host Back in Blue Rail Jam, Open Snow Tubing

Thanks to Ober Gatlinburg’s new snowmaking technology, the attraction has two events set to open this month, the Back in Blue Rail Jam and snow tubing.

Back In Blue Rail Jam at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is pleased to announce Volunteer Chevrolet will be returning as the presenting sponsor for the 2015/2016 season opening event. The Back in Blue Rail Jam will be held Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 and is the Southeast’s earliest Rail Jam. Thanks to Ober Gatlinburg’s Snow Magic technology, snow conditions are guaranteed for a full slope setup featuring rails and boxes.

An event for all ages to observe, it will showcase some of the Southeast’s best riders. Back in Blue is an energetic event with live music, season pass specials, food and drink specials, and vendor representatives from local and national brands. The competition is open to both skiers and snowboarders and is free for both competitors and spectators. Changes this year include an expanded viewing area and a $1200 cash purse for the top finishers, courtesy of Volunteer Chevrolet. For more information, visit www.obergatlinburg.com/ogft.

Ober Gatlinburg Snow Tubing Opening

Ober Gatlinburg will open its Snow Tubing season Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at 11 a.m., the earliest of any tubing operation in the Southeast. Using advanced snowmaking technology, SnowMagic, Ober Gatlinburg was able to begin snowmaking on Oct. 8 to prepare for their 55th snow season.

The Snow Tubing lanes are 400’ long with a 50’ vertical drop and are serviced by a moving conveyer lift transporting riders and their tubes quickly to the top of the tubing runs. On opening weekend, snow tubing will run Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with 1.5 hour sessions beginning every two hours. Rates per session are $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays.

“We are excited about the prospects of a great season,” said Bruce Anders, president of Ober Gatlinburg, Inc. “The SnowMagic system allows us to offer snow tubing to our guests much earlier and gives us the capability to maintain the quality of the tubing surface in the event we experience a mild winter.”

Snow Tubing is a great way for riders ages three and above to experience the fun of winter recreation. Different than open-hill sledding, the tubing park’s expertly shaped lanes guide custom tubes down a course designed to deliver an exhilarating ride. Adjacent to the tubing park is an enclosed viewing area with food concessions, a winter accessory shop and Ober Gatlinburg’s new Ski Mountain Coaster.