Monthly Archives: February 2019

February 27, 2019 – The Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority—the governing body for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—met today and authorized the following:

• For Tramway employees who do not have work available for them during the closure, wage continuance will be extended through March 31, 2019, which coincides with the April 1 tentative reopening date. Over half the Tram staff is, however, currently on duty with closure-related duties,
• Ratified approval of $351,071 in road, lot and electrical repairs plus additional rental fees for scaffolding. Also authorized the general manager an amount not to exceed $500,000 for further repairs, engineering and inspections.
• Authorized the waiver of concessionaire commission payments to the Tramway for January and February.

February 25, 2019 – Additional items have been added since the February 19 assessment regarding damages sustained to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the February 14 storm.

• Repair work to the washed-out portion of Tram Way should be completed by the end of this week.
• Upon completion of road repairs, heavy equipment will be brought up to remove debris, such as rocks and trees.
• Contractors will begin repairs to the main power line (to restore power to the Mountain Station) and repair the Valley Station’s fire suppression system.
• Crews are digging out dirt and debris currently blocking the intake valve to the Valley Station water tank. Once refilled and properly treated, potable water will be available at the Valley Station.
• In addition to the previously reported water damage at the Mountain Station, some minor roof damage has been discovered.
• Additional minor damage to Tram Way has been identified.

The above repairs are expected to be completed by March 31, which would tentatively allow an April 1 reopening. We hope, however, that the work can be completed sooner thus permitting an earlier reopening.

In the meantime, Tramway website visitors are being directed to attraction links on the websites of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism and the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

February 19, 2019 – A partial assessment has been completed regarding damages sustained to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the February 14 storm.

• The power line at the Valley Station feeding electricity to the Mountain Station was severed resulting in damage to one of the Valley Station’s electrical panels. The Mountain Station continues to operate on generator power only.
• Debris removal of boulders, foliage and logs from the Valley Station and roadway continues.
• Several of the Tram’s nine parking lots sustained minor asphalt damage.
• The culvert at the damaged portion of Tram Way is currently filled with mud and debris. Once cleared and stream run-off is returned to the culvert, road repairs can proceed.
• The Mountain Station sustained only minor water damage and clean-up efforts will commence once road access is possible.
• Tramway systems were inspected including engine room and towers, and no damage has been found.
• The Tramway’s civil engineer has inspected roadway bridges and certified them structurally sound.

There are currently no time estimates for completion of the aforementioned items. Updates will be announced as available.

February 18, 2019 – Clean-up efforts continue at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway after the February 14 rain storm and flash flood.

Concurrently, inspections and damage assessments are being made of the road, the Mountain and Valley Stations, and the tram itself. More information will be made available once completed.

There is currently no reopening date.

February 15, 2019 – Due to the recent rainstorm and flooding on Mt. San Jacinto, Tramway Road sustained damage making in impassable for any vehicle or pedestrian.

Consequently, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will remain closed for an indefinite period until road repairs can be made.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (February 4, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours during Presidents’ Weekend February 16-18, 2019 with the first Tram car up each day at 8:00 a.m., the last Tram car up at 8:00 p.m. and the last Tram car down at 9:45 p.m. Tram cars depart at least every 30 minutes.

Enjoy a day or evening above the desert floor exploring the 14,000 acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness, be awed by spectacular Coachella Valley vistas from the Mountain Station, or dine in Peaks Restaurant, Pines Café or the Lookout Lounge.

Tram admission is $25.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 3-10. Special discounts and packages are available after 4:00 p.m. Twilight Tickets are $22.95 for adults and seniors, and $13.95 for children ages 3-10. Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets are $36 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 for children ages 3-10. This combination ticket includes Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café.