PALM SPRINGS, CA (January 2, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend January 19-21 with the first tram up each day at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up at 8:00 p.m. and the last Tram down at 9:45 p.m. Tram cars depart at least every 30 minutes.

At the Mountain Station, visitors may enjoy viewpoints, a gift shop, a natural history museum, over 50 miles of hiking trails and two documentary-style movies about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Dining options include:

• Peaks Restaurant offers a waiter-service dining experience. Reservations are recommended by calling 760-325-4537 or by booking via Open Table on the Tram’s website.
• Pines Café offers a more casual, cafeteria-style dining alternative.
• Lookout Lounge offers a variety of alcoholic beverages and appetizers.

Tram admission is $25.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 3-10 years.

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.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 29, 2018) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Snow Guessing Contest officially ended on Thursday, November 29 with one inch of measurable snow at the Tramway’s Mountain Station as of 1:27 p.m.

The first ten contestants who submitted the correct date are:

1. Mike Southard of Palm Desert
2. Richard Namey of Desert Hot Springs
3. Carolyn Kirner-Schmidt of San Diego
4. Brenda Siddon of Desert Hot Springs
5. Alison Elsner of Palm Springs
6. Marie Montenegro of Palm Springs
7. David Slack of Palm Springs
8. Martina Jimenez of Hemet
9. Rick Bauer of Herald
10. Phillip Merriam of Highland

The winners will receive four Tramway admissions plus a Tramway snow globe. The contest began October 1 and 773 entries were received.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 27, 2018) California Governor Edmund Brown Jr. has announced three new appointments to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, the governing board of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Brian Conley, 69, of Big Bear Lake, has been president and chief executive officer at Community College Connections since 2012.  He was department chair/professor at Golden West College from 1975 to 2012.  He was also an elected trustee/board president at Rancho Santiago Community College District from 1988 to 2012.  He served on the California Student Aid Commission from 2010 to 2015, California Board of Governors of California Community Colleges from 2000 to 2004.  Conley was also California state chair of the Association of Community College Trustees from 2009 to 2012. He was an aide to U.S. Congressman Jerome R. Waldie from 1972 to 1974.  He is a member of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and a lifetime member of the Association of Community College Trustees. Conley earned a Master of Arts degree in fine arts and education from California State University, Fresno and has done advanced studies at UCLA and Pepperdine University.

“I am very honored to be appointed to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority by Governor Brown,” says Conley.  “I look forward in using my background in public policy, institution management and budget to make the Tramway the best it can be.”

Sandra Magana Cuellar, 47, of Corona, has been director of government affairs at Charter Communications since 2000. She was project director at Hispanas Organized for Political Equality from 1997 to 2000, project coordinator at the Contreras-Sweet Company in 1997 and an intern at Consensus Planning Group from 1996 to 1997. Cuellar was an assistant account executive at Oralia Michel Public Relations from 1995 to 1996 and assistant tour publicist at Levine-Schneider Public Relations from 1994 to 1995. She was a member of the California Respiratory Board from 2006 to 2013 and is a member of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership Board of Directors, National Latina Business Women Association of the Inland Empire Board of Directors, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership Board of Directors and Inland Action Board of Directors. Cuellar earned a Master of Arts degree in communication management from the University of Southern California.

“It is an honor to have been appointed to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority,” says Cuellar. “I look forward to ensuring this signature attraction continues to add to the unique and vibrant Palm Springs culture.”

Jeff Ohlfs, 56, of Twentynine Palms, has held several positions at Joshua Tree National Park from 1990 to 2016, including chief park ranger, district park ranger and park ranger. He has worked in parks at the local, county, state, national, and international level. Ohlfs is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas, International Association of Chiefs of Police Environmental Crimes Committee, Ranger Federation, California State Park Rangers Association, Park Rangers Association of California, Twentynine Palms Historical Society, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Morongo Basin Search & Rescue Team, and the Boy Scouts of America.

“The Authority is unique amongst the over 700 park entities in California and I look forward to continuing to make it the premier destination in Southern California,” says Ohlfs. “The Tram holds a special place for me as it was one of the first dates with my wife. And we both look forward to the Tram’s holiday festivities.”

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “We welcome—and congratulate—our new board members and sincerely thank departing members Jan Oliphant and Jon Sheinberg for their many years of service to the Authority and Tramway.”

The other four Authority members are Jerry Ogburn and Nancy Stuart, appointed by the Palm Springs City Council, and Bary Freet and Brian Nestande, appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 11, 2018) Santa visits the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free candy canes and photo opportunities for the kids bring another dose of Yuletide merriment to all who visit the Tramway’s Mountain Station.

Then, on Sunday, December 16 is the inaugural Brunch with Santa. Starting at 10:30 a.m., join Ol’ St. Nick for crafts, holiday treats and a delicious meal in an alpine setting. Tickets are $36 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 for children (ages 3-10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required by calling 760-325-1449.

On December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019, Ride ’n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—are available for purchase beginning at 8:00 a.m. (rather than the usual 4:00 p.m.) Dinner service begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. Combination tickets are $36 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 for children (ages 3-10).

Peaks Restaurant serves their regular lunch and dinner menus along with a special prix fixe holiday menu beginning at 11:00 a.m. on December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019. Reservations are recommended and may be made by either calling 760-325-4537 or via Open Table on the Tram’s website (www.pstramway.com/dining).

The Tramway operates a special schedule from December 17, 2018 through January 1, 2019. The first tram up each day is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down is at 9:45 p.m.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 6, 2018) On November 30, a decades-long tradition resumes when holiday choir season commences at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 14, a different middle or high school choir performs holiday favorites at the Tramway’s Mountain Station.

For the 2018 holiday season, the Tramway is proud to present the following line-up:

• Friday, November 30 – Indio High School Choir
• Saturday December 1 – Desert Ridge Academy Concert Choir
• Sunday, December 2 – Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet
• Friday, December 7 – Jurupa Valley High School Chamber Singers
• Saturday, December 8 – Martin Luther King High School Chamber Singers & Show Choir
• Sunday, December 9 – Encore High School for the Arts Madrigals
• Friday, December 14 – The Lions’ Pride Chamber Singers (Cathedral City H.S.)

According to Martin Luther King High School Choir Director Brian Holm, “Our Chamber Singers have performed annually at the top of the Tramway for over a decade, not only to the delight our performers but—apparently—to Tram audiences as well! In fact, I remember singing here as part of my own high school choir.  Everyone is glad to be continuing this long-standing holiday tradition.”

Show times are 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and are complimentary with regular Tram admission. Performances are on the Pines Café Stage with food and beverage service available from either the Pines Café or the Lookout Lounge. (Note: The 5:00 p.m. performance on December 2^nd is outside on the Desert View Terrace as part of the tree lighting ceremony.) Open seating (no reservations taken).

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 31, 2018) HGTV’s “Desert Flippers” hosts, Eric and Lindsey Bennett, serve as this year’s celebrity tree lighters for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 at the Tram’s Mountain Station kicking off with a holiday performance by the Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet. Then the Bennetts light the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

Since the 2016 premier of “Desert Flippers,” these Wisconsin transplants have been transforming Palm Springs one ‘unloved’ house at a time…and showing the rest of the country the desert’s beautiful scenery and weather.

Renovating 20 properties a year—while raising three small children—is no small feat, and this couple takes it in stride. But when they go behind the walls of houses that live in triple-digit heat, they never quite know what they might find—scorpions, rattlesnakes, black widows and even squatters! In each episode of “Desert Flippers,” Eric and Lindsey search out a diamond in the rough, but they might find something that’s just plain rough!

The Bennetts are currently shooting Season 3 of their show and have also been seen on “Brother vs. Brother,” “The Today Show,” “Access,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and “E! News.” As well, they have been featured in HGTV Magazine, People.com, Palm Springs Life, The Desert Sun and Agent Magazine

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 30, 2018) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate a special schedule during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, November 25. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 9:45 p.m.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 22, Ride ’n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—will be available for purchase beginning at 8:00 a.m. (rather than the usual 4:00 p.m.) Dinner service begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. Combination tickets are $36 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 children (ages 3-10). The holiday menu includes a mixed greens salad; a choice of oven-roasted turkey, beef a la mode or vegetarian lasagna; a selection of side dishes; and old-fashioned carrot cake or pumpkin pie. Dinner roll along with a small fountain beverage, coffee or tea are included.

Peaks Restaurant will begin serving their regular menu along with traditional holiday favorites at 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 760-325-4537 or by visiting https://pstramway.com/dining/ .

This Thanksgiving, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, stroll the majestic forests of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, and then dine while enjoying the most spectacular views in the entire Coachella Valley.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 27, 2018) The winner of today’s 33^rd Annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge was Mark Donaldson, who ran the “World’s Toughest 6K” in 34 minutes, 25 seconds. The first female to cross the finish line was Amanda Sellers in 40 minutes, 50 seconds.  Sophia Herrera, finished first in the youngest category (6 and under) and Bill Bell, age 95, finished first in the oldest category (90-120).

This year’s Female and Male Challenge Division Winners are:

The first Tram Road Challenge was held in 1983, and was won by Rob Slick in 27 minutes, 35 seconds and Nancy Baird in 35 minutes, 25 seconds. The fastest men’s time was set by Rubin Garcia of Mexico—26 minutes, 5 seconds—in 1987. Lubov Kremleva of Russia set the fastest women’s time—28 minutes, 56 seconds in 1998.

1,341 runners and walkers participated in this year’s Tram Road Challenge.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 15, 2018) The 33rd annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018with a start time of 7:00 a.m. (walkers start at 6:30 a.m.).This 6K run/walk begins at the bottom of Tram Way and ends at the Tram’s Valley Station, anelevation gain of 2,643 feet in just 3.7 miles.

Special finishers’ medals will be presented to all participants along with a Cool Tech race shirt. Awards will be given three deep in each age category for both male and female finishers during a breakfast ceremony near the finish line immediately following the race.

The first Tram Road Challenge was held in 1983 and was won by Rob Slick in 27 minutes, 35 seconds and Nancy Baird in 35 minutes, 25 seconds. The fastest men’s time was set by Rubin Garcia of Mexico – 26 minutes, 5 seconds – in 1987. Lubov Kremleva of Russia set the fastest women’s time – 28 minutes, 56 seconds in 1998.

The Tramway’s road will be closed until (approximately) 11:00 a.m. on race day. Spectator shuttles will run from 5:30-6:00 a.m. from the Palm Springs Visitors Center (all spectators and participants will be directed to nearby parking lots.)

For more information or to register for the race, please call (760) 832-0497 or visit www.kleinclarksports.com.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 30, 2018) Temperatures may still be in the triple- digits, but October 1^st marks the start of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Snow Guessing Contest. This annual event continues until the first measurable inch of snow falls at the Tram’s Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet.

The first ten entries received with the correct date of snowfall will win four Tram admissions plus a special Tram gift memento. In the event there are more than ten correct entries, the earliest postmarks will prevail.

To submit an entry, simply write down your best-guess date on a postcard and mail it to: Snow Guessing Contest, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Please remember that only postmarked postcards will be accepted (no emailed entries) and no postmarks before October 1. Participants may enter as many times as they would like, but only one date per postcard. For more information and contest rules, please visit www.pstramway.com/special-events.

It won’t be long before snowflakes are falling just a few minutes from the desert floor. And there’s never been a year when someone didn’t win the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Snow Guessing Contest!