PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY MOVES UP ANNUAL MAINTENANCE SHUTDOWN
PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 13, 2020) This year, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is moving its annual maintenance shutdown period from September to August. According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “With our current extended closure, we decided that if we moved our maintenance period up by a month, we could perhaps reopen to the public by Labor Day rather than early October, as currently scheduled.”
Along with other California attractions, the Tramway has been closed since March 13 due to the coronavirus. “Our new safety protocols are in place and we are ready to open” says Nichols, “But we certainly understand that this is a time when the health and safety of our guests and staff must take precedence.”
“This year’s maintenance shut-down will provide an opportunity to replace the lower haul rope, exchange the carriage on cabin 2 and perform State-permit testing, along with control systems annual service and upgrades,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch.
Adds Nichols, “While we regret the loss of the summer season for our visitors and locals, we hope that by Labor Day Weekend, we will be able to reopen. The fall is a wonderful time to visit the Tramway and we sincerely look forward to welcoming back our guests.”
MEDIA ALERT
PALM SPRINGS, CA (March 18, 2020) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will continue its temporary closure at least through April 30 due to the ongoing uncertainties regarding the coronavirus.
According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “We again express our deepest regrets to our visitors and appreciate their understanding.”
MEDIA ALERT
PALM SPRINGS, CA (March 12, 2020) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will temporarily close due to the risk posed by the coronavirus. The closure is effective immediately and is expected to continue through March.
According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “The actions taken today were difficult, but the health and safety of our guests and employees far outweigh any other considerations. We sincerely apologize for this closure, but hope our visitors will return when we reopen.”
SUNRISE SERVICE AT PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Celebrate Easter Sunday at 8,516 Feet
PALM SPRINGS, CA (March 8, 2020) One of the most spectacular places to watch the sunrise on Easter is at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet. On Sunday, April 12, beginning at 5:15 a.m., celebrate Easter Sunrise Service with songs of faith, hope and joy by Abie Perkins and Natasha Carian … along with a special inspirational Easter message by Pastor Robert Sneed.
The first tram car up that morning is 4:45 a.m. Reduced tram fares will be in effect until 7:30 a.m. with round-trip $15.95 for adults and seniors, and $11.95 for children ages 3-10.
Beginning at 6:30 a.m., breakfast will be served in the Forest View Restaurant until 10:00 a.m. Breakfast is $29.95 for adults and seniors, and $17.95 for children ages 3-10, not including Tram fare.
Tickets to the Sunrise Service are now available for advance purchase by visiting the Tramway’s Valley Station or by calling 760-325-1449 during regular business hours. (Note: These purchase options are only available for tickets redeemed 4:45-7:30 a.m. on April 12, 2020.) Tickets may also be purchased Easter morning upon arrival at the Tram’s Valley Station starting at 4:15 a.m.
Normal Tram fares will be in effect after 7:30 a.m. with admission $26.95 for adults, $24.95 seniors 65+ and $16.95 for children ages 3-10.
Easter dinner will be available from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant. Cost for the Holiday Ride ‘N’ Dine combination is $36.00 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 for children ages 3-10. Reservations are not taken and tickets go on sale at 8:00 a.m.
The Forest View Restaurant will serve regular lunch and dinner menus during normal operating hours.
BRIAN NESTANDE ELECTED CHAIRPERSON OF MOUNT SAN JACINTO WINTER PARK AUTHORITY
PALM SPRINGS, CA (February 13, 2020) Former Inland Assemblyman Brian Nestande has been elected 2020 chairman of the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority (MSJWPA), governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Nestande was appointed to the Authority by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in 2016, and reappointed by Supervisor Manuel Perez and the Board of Supervisors in 2020.
Nestande, now deputy county executive officer for Riverside County, represented the 42nd district in the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2014. Previously, he served as chief of staff for Congressman Sonny Bono and then Congresswoman Mary Bono.
According to Nestande, “This is a very exciting time to serve on the Tram board with the restoration of the Mountain Station and all the other improvements now occurring. It is truly an honor to be elected chair for the coming year.”
“Mr. Nestande’s experience in all levels of government operations combined with his leadership skills have been extremely valuable to the Authority during his four years on the board,” adds Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols. “We are very happy to now welcome him to the chairman’s position.”
Nestande succeeds 2019 Chair Nancy Stuart, a 2000 Palm Springs City Council MSJWPA appointee and retired banker.
The current Authority members are: Jerry Ogburn and Nancy Stuart appointed by the Palm Springs City Council; Bary Freet and Brian Nestande appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors; and Brian Conley, Sandra Magana-Cuellar and Jeff Ohlfs appointed by the Governor.
SPECIAL TRAM HOURS FOR PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND
PALM SPRINGS, CA (February 3, 2020) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours during Presidents’ Weekend February 15-17, 2020 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 and be awed by spectacular Coachella Valley vistas from the Mountain Station.
Tram admission is $26.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 3-10. Special discounts and packages are available after 4:00 p.m. Twilight Tickets are $23.95 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.
SPECIAL TRAM HOURS FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY
PALM SPRINGS, CA (January 5, 2020) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend January 18-20 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, dining, 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.
Tram admission is $26.95 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 $23.95 for adults and seniors, and $13.95 for children ages 3-10.
Tickets for February 15 through 17 may be purchased at the Tramway on the day of your visit. We are sorry, but advance purchase is not available for those dates. Thank you.
TRAMWAY’S SNOW GUESSING CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 20, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Snow Guessing Contest officially ended on Wednesday, November 20 with one inch of measurable snow at the Tramway’s Mountain Station as of 2:00 p.m.
The first ten contestants who submitted the correct date are:
- M. Bratton of Indio
- Richard Namey of Desert Hot Springs
- Dan Baumann of Morongo Valley
- Brenda Siddon of Desert Hot Springs
- Dave Butts of Anchorage, AK
- Marie Montenegro of Palm Springs
- Cindy Hensel of Bermuda Dunes
- Carol Morin of Desert Hot Springs
- Kimberly Ellis of Palm Desert
- Phillip Merriam of Highland
The winners will receive four Tramway admissions plus a Tramway ornament. The contest began October 1 and 955 entries were received.
