A flat stretch of Chapman Highway in Sevierville is now a temporary gateway to ski slopes in East Tennessee. At least, it's where Ober Gatlinburg has set up a satellite office to conduct business while waiting for utilities to be completely restored and roads reopened after last week's deadly wildfire tore through Gatlinburg.
The mountaintop attraction was spared any fire damage. The only blow the skiing facilities took were from the fierce winds.
"We had some minor wind damage with a few shingles that will need to be replaced and some tree damage, but nothing we cannot handle," said Kate Barido, Ober Gatlinburg spokesperson. "Our satellite office is something we got up and running in three days. It's a place where we can keep taking calls and helping customers. Plus, we are able to handle payroll and try to get in touch with all of our employees."
The only concern in terms of infrastructure damage at Ober Gatlinburg is the aerial tramway.
"Two of the towers [for the cables] were on Ski Mountain Road in the area that had major fire damage. So we actually have an inspector coming on Wednesday to inspect the cables. They basically check every inch of the cable. Then on Friday, a technician is coming to inspect all of the towers and the other parts of the tram. Then we have an inspection from the state. So we have three inspections we have to pass to reopen it to the public," said Barido. "If they all go pretty well, we’ll be set to open as soon as they’re done with their inspections."
A dusting of ash can be seen on the snow at the ski resort in Gatlinburg. The main challenge from the fire has been power outages.
"We actually lost the ice in the ice rink because we lost power. We were able to get into the property and start freezing the ice again and it will be totally fine," said Barido. "We have a restaurant freezer truck that runs on diesel. That has been able to keep the food safe, which is great."
Ober currently has enough electricity to run the lights and freezers, but the power has not returned to full strength. Water was set to be restored by late Monday.
The greatest concern at Ober Gatlinburg is not the buildings, the slopes or the snow. It is the hundreds of employees who operate the popular attraction.
"Our employees have been devastated. The side roads, the mountainsides where all the cabins are and the residential areas have been literally obliterated and destroyed. So we’re lucky and fortunate to have our businesses. But the need is still there for help and assistance," said Barido.
