About an inch of snow fell atop Mount Harrison as crews prepare for the Nov. 20 opening of skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Winter has made its first appearance at Ober Gatlinburg, where the mountain received its first natural snowfall of the 2026-27 season Saturday, one week before the scheduled opening of winter activities.
Snow began falling during the early morning hours and returned throughout the afternoon, leaving approximately an inch of accumulation at the summit of Mount Harrison. Snow also began accumulating near the base area as snowfall intensified later in the day.
The early snowfall comes as Ober’s snowmaking crews continue preparing the slopes for opening day on Friday, Nov. 20. Crews have been making snow since mid-October, taking advantage of favorable temperatures to build base depths across the mountain.
The forecast for the coming week is expected to provide additional opportunities for snowmaking ahead of the opening.
Ober also invested nearly $1 million in snowmaking improvements this year. The upgrades include 45 new HKD snowmakers, along with improvements to pumps and piping that have nearly doubled water pressure throughout the system.
The improvements are expected to increase snowmaking capacity, improve snow quality and help extend the ski season.
Guests planning an early-season visit can find discounted lift tickets starting at $49 for adults and $39 for youth and seniors when purchased online for visits through Dec. 6.
Season passes are also available at a discounted rate of $409 for adults before prices increase Monday, Nov. 23.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, winter attractions at Ober include snow tubing, ice skating and ice bumper cars. Snow tubing reservations are available online.
For tickets, season passes and winter operating information, visit OberGatlinburg.com.
One response
Yeah let it snow up big.