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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Commences Annual Tradition

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 28, 2017) It may still feel like summer, 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 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!

Tramway Revised Reopening Date

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 26, 2017) Due to maintenance delays, the reopening date for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has been moved from Saturday, September 30 to Monday, October 2.

According to Vice President of Maintenance Nick Clesceri, “Testing of our new track counterweight ropes has taken longer than expected and there were weather-related delays in flying our helicopter for power line repairs, so—regrettably—our reopening has been delayed by two days.”

The first tram on Monday, October 2 will be at 10:00 a.m., with the ticket booths opening at 9:30 a.m.

September 10 Last Day to Ride Until September 30

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 5, 2017) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, September 11, 2017 with a tentative reopening date of Saturday, September 30 at 8:00 a.m.

“This year’s shut-down will provide an opportunity to replace bearings and cables, along with comprehensive mechanical and electrical testing on numerous tramway systems. Also, we will be performing repairs to the Mountain Station power line,” says Tramway Vice President of Maintenance Nicholas Clesceri. “This year’s scheduled projects are in addition to our regular tramway maintenance tasks that are completed during our annual shutdown period.”

Adds Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “The tramway runs seven-days-a-week, year-round, so—while we regret the inconvenience our annual closure causes—this time allows us to complete projects we cannot do when we are open to the public.”

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 16, 2017) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate extended holiday hours on Monday, September 4, 2017 in observance of Labor Day. That day, the first Tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last Tram up will be 8:00 p.m. and last Tram down will be at 9:45 p.m. Trams depart at least every 30 minutes.

The Tramway’s “Early Friday” program ends September 1 and the regular Friday schedule resumes September 8 with the first Tram up at 10:00 a.m.

Also, September 2 is the end of the Tramway’s “Summer Hours” on Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning Friday, September 8, the Tramway’s last car up daily will again be 8:00 p.m. and the last car down will be 9:45 p.m.

The Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness concludes the summer’s “Junior Ranger Days” on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. These popular events led by Interpreter Allison Barnes are held at the base of the Mountain Station’s walkway from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and include such children’s activities as “Leave No Trace” games, “Spin the Wheel” information board and “Meet & Greet” with animal pelts.

Finally, the Tramway’s Summer Pass ends August 31, but the Annual Pass is still available for purchase either online (www.pstramway.com) or at the Tram’s Valley Station. The price is $160 for adults and $90 for children and includes 365 days of fun!

State Park to Conduct Viewing on August 2

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 9, 2017) For Coachella Valley residents and visitors wishing to view the “Great American Solar Eclipse,” the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will open early on Monday, August 21. Ticket sales begin at 7:30 a.m. with the first tram car at 8:00 a.m. The eclipse begins at 9:00 a.m. and reaches its peak (approx. 60% coverage) at 10:25 a.m.

Under the supervision of Mount San Jacinto State Park Interpreter Allison Barnes, the program will take place on the viewing deck of the Tramway’s Mountain Station with the Park providing NASA-approved solar-viewing glasses (for the first 50 people) and a telescope with solar filter.

What better location to watch the solar eclipse than from the place closest to the Sun … the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

Public Affairs Manager Greg Purdy Promoted

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 1, 2017) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols is pleased to announce the promotion of Greg Purdy to the position of Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs.

“Serving as Tramway public affairs manager for the past three years, his understanding of our particular marketing operation and his extensive background in the tourism industry made Greg the logical choice for the VP position,” says Nichols.

Purdy previously worked for fourteen years as senior communications manager for the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, following a multi-decade career in hotel sales and general management.

“I consider myself fortunate to work for an organization that is not only highly respected, but also has a wonderful internal culture,” says Purdy. “The dedication by the Tram’s senior management, staff and board of directors during the past 54 years has made the Tram a true signature attraction for Southern California, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. I am quite honored to be a part of that tradition.”

In this position, Purdy will oversee advertising, digital marketing, group sales, special events, promotions, ticketing and public affairs, as well as serving as clerk for the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, the Tram’s governing body.

Adds Purdy, “As a kid, I remember telling my parents that I really wanted to ride the Palm Springs Tram, so my mother and I took the bus one day from Long Beach, California to do just that. Who knew that I would one day be a part of this great organization!”

Milestone Reached in Iconic Attraction’s 54-Year History

PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 21, 2017) Four friends visiting Palm Springs from the Northeast were more than just the last patrons to enter the Tramway’s Valley Station at 7:58 p.m. on July 20^th; Robbie Zweig, Brandon Mercier, Michael Landau and Abby Slywka—collectively—also became the 20-millionth riders of this iconic Palm Springs attraction.

When learning of their surprise distinction—other than asking if they were on a TV prank show—explained that they decided to extend their trip by a day just so they could all have dinner together at the Tramway.

“I’ve never been the twenty-millionth anything,” joked Mercier. “It must be the dry heat that made us lucky,” added Landau. While enjoying his first-ever ride on the Tramway, Zweig could only say, “Breathtaking.” Summing up their excitement, Slywka said, “I travel a lot for work, but now try to see things on my trips, like the Tram. I am so happy I changed my flight until tomorrow. What a fun night!”

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “I remember our 10-millionth rider back in 1994. It took us 31 years to hit that mark, but only 23 years to reach our 20-millionth.”

To commemorate the occasion, the friends received a gift bag worth over $150 and were the Tramway’s guests.

Adds Nichols, “The clock now starts ticking on us reaching our 30-millionth rider. I suspect it will take even less time to reach that milestone.”

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!