Monthly Archives: June 2017

Nancy Nichols Assumes Post After 30-Year Tram Tenure

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 23, 2017) At the June 21 meeting of the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority—the governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nancy Nichols was named the Tram’s new general manager following the retirement of current general manager, Rob Parkins.

According to Authority Chairman Jerry Ogburn, “Nancy was not only the logical choice, but we are indeed fortunate to have someone with such a deep institutional understanding of the Tramway. After 30 years, she knows every aspect of the operation. She was also strongly supported and recommended by Rob Parkins for the general manager position and enjoys the consensus support of Tram staff and Authority members as well.”

Born to a military family, Nichols was raised in Southern California, originally working in the insurance industry. “When I joined the Tramway,” says Nichols, “I could have never imagined that I would work in all the various positions I have and—three decades later—that I would be named general manager.

“This is definitely an exciting time to be at the Tram. The strategic planning by both our board and staff during the past few years will soon be visible to our patrons.

“As vice president of sales and marketing and, now, general manager, I remain committed to this iconic attraction’s continued success.”

17-Year Tenure by Rob Parkins Ends June 30

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 21, 2017) After 17 years at the helm of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, General Manager Rob Parkins has announced his retirement effective June 30.

According to Jerry Ogburn, chair of the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, the Tramway’s governing body, “Rob’s contributions to the Tramway over the past 17 years are too numerous to mention, but the framework he created is what got us to where we are today. Under Rob’s leadership, annual ridership went from approximately 400,000 to over 600,000, as we end our current fiscal year. He has assembled a solid team, who I know will continue the great culture he created. On behalf of the entire board, I would like to extend our collective thanks for the extraordinary job he performed and wish him the best in retirement.”

Prior to joining the Tram, Parkins served as city manager for the City of Palm Springs and, previously, in the same capacity for the City of Miami Beach, Florida.

In an email to Tram staff last week, Parkins thanked his team for their support and dedication through these many years, adding that he will miss the wonderful sense of family at the Tramway.

Adds Tramway Executive Vice President Jim Whitmore, “And we will all miss Rob. On behalf of the Tram staff, I want him to know how much we appreciate his wise stewardship, counsel and friendship.”

Named new general manager is 30-year Tramway veteran, Nancy Nichols, current vice president of sales and marketing. “I am very honored to be entrusted with this position, but will miss Rob greatly,” says Nichols.

Armed Forces Receive Free Tram Admission throughout July

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 20, 2017). For the entire month of July, all military personnel with valid military identification—active, former and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway along with a special gift as part of Military Days. Spouses of deployed military members, as well as widows, also qualify for the promotion. In addition, up to six of their guests receive 25% off of their regular Tramway fares.

According to Tramway Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nancy Nichols, “For over a decade, Military Days has been our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces—along with their friends and families. We are delighted to welcome them back again this July.”

While visiting, Tramway guests enjoy:

• Hiking the 50+ miles of pristine wilderness in the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
• Picnic dining under a beautiful pine forest.
• Joining guided nature walks free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day Weekend.
• Exploring the natural history museum and watching two documentary films on the history of the Tramway and State Park.
• Lunch or dinner in either Peaks Restaurant, a fine dining experience, or Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant.

Don’t miss out on this annual tradition!

Tramway Opens 8:00 a.m. on July 3 and 4

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 19, 2017). In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will open early on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. The first tram car up those days will be 8:00 a.m., the last tram car up will be 8:00 p.m. and the last tram car down will be 9:45 p.m.

Also, “Early Fridays” (8:00 a.m. first tram car up) continue through Labor Day Weekend, as well as extended summer hours (9:00 p.m. last tram car up on Fridays and Saturdays with last tram car down at 10:30 p.m.)

And don’t forget to join free guided nature walks on Saturdays and Sundays featuring a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile loop beginning at 11:00 a.m. or the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. Those interested should meet at the bottom of the cement walkway located just outside the Mountain Station.

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in the cool Alpine forests at the Top of the Tram!