News

Segment of “Aaron Needs a Job” Set to Air September 9, 2019

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 5, 2019) Expert custom car-builder and former star of “Fast ‘N Loud” Aaron Kaufman has teamed up with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s maintenance team for an episode of the Discovery Channel’s new series “Aaron Needs a Job” set to air September 9, 2019 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The one-hour episode takes an up-close look at how the sheaves [grooved wheels] on the tram support towers are changed.  Viewers get a rare view into what working several hundred feet above ground is actually like.

Since the series premiere on July 15, 2019, audiences have had a front-row seat as Kaufman has left no stone unturned on his journey to find his next big gig. With him taking full advantage of the opportunity to go deep inside the industries, motors, machines and mechanical minds that drive the rest of the world, “Aaron Needs A Job” offers a unique vantage point for viewers and motor fans alike.

“Aaron Needs A Job” is produced for Discovery Channel by Pilgrim Media Group, with Craig Piligian and Eddie Rohwedder serving as executive producers. For Discovery Channel, Craig Coffman and Kyle Wheeler are executive producers with Ethan Galvin and Olivia Ghersen serving as producers. Aaron Kaufman also serves as executive producer.

September 8 Last Day to Ride until September 30

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 4, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, September 9, 2019 with a tentative reopening date of Monday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m.

“This year’s shut-down will provide an opportunity to exchange one of the tramcar carriages, along with comprehensive mechanical and electrical testing of numerous tramway systems,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “This year’s scheduled projects are in addition to our regular tramway maintenance tasks that are performed every year 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.”

Holiday Weekend Marks End of Summer Schedule

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 19, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate extended holiday hours on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2, 2019 in observance of Labor Day. Sunday, the first tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be 9:00 p.m. and last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m. Monday, the first tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., 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 August 30 and the regular Friday schedule resumes September 6 with the first Tram up at 10:00 a.m.

In addition, August 31 is the end of the Tramway’s “Summer Hours” on Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning Friday, September 6, 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, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. 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!

Free Tram Admission in August for Those Who Protect Our Communities

PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 15, 2019) For the entire month of August, all qualified first responders receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of “First Responders Days”. In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off of their regular tram fares.

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “We are happy to have our second annual ‘First Responders Days’ and welcome the men and women who so courageously protect and serve our communities. We truly hope they enjoy their visit with us and make cherished memories with their families and friends.”
Qualifying personnel include (see www.pstramway.com for full listing):

• Fire and police personnel
• California Highway Patrol
• County Sheriff Officers
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

This program runs August 1-31, 2019 with tickets (only) available at the Tramway’s Valley Station on the day of visit.

Tramway Opens 8:00 a.m. July 4^th

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 18, 2019). In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will open early on Thursday, July 4. The first tram car up on the holiday 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.)

In addition, on Saturday July 6, “Junior Ranger Days” led by MSJSP&W Interpreter Allison Barnes is being held at the base of the Mountain Station’s walkway from 11:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. and includes such children’s activities as “Leave No Trace” games, “Spin the Wheel” information board and “Meet & Greet” with animal pelts. Additional dates are August 3, August 31, and September 1. No advance registration is required.

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!

U.S. Armed Forces Receive Free Tram Admission throughout July

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 12, 2019). During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former and retired—receive complimentary 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 military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off of their regular Tramway fares.

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “For more than a decade, Military Days has been a way of showing our gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces— along with their friends and families— for their service and sacrifice.  We are delighted to welcome them back again this July.”

While visiting, Tramway guests can enjoy:

• Hiking the 50+ miles of pristine wilderness in the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
• Picnicking under a beautiful pine forest.
• Joining guided nature walks free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day Weekend.
• Dining in either Peaks Restaurant, a fine dining experience, or Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant.

Don’t miss out on this annual tradition!

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 15, 2019) – Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness (MSJSP&W) and the Natural History Association (NHA) are happy to announce the continuation of Class and Field Programs for the 2019 summer season.

Through October 19, a total of twenty programs will be presented covering a range of natural history and hike classes (www.msjnha.org/events).

The next program on May 18 is entitled “Sky Islands and Climate Refugia” and is led by Colin Barrows, Conservation Coordinator at the Friends of the Desert Mountains, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Also, on May 25 and 26, “Junior Ranger Days” returns to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. These popular events led by MSJSP&W Interpreter Allison Barnes are held at the base of the Mountain Station’s walkway from 11:00 a.m.-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. Additional dates are June 15, July 6, August 3, August 31 and September 1. No advance registration is required.

Finally, free Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume May 25 and continue Saturdays and Sundays through September 1. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required.

There is no charge for any of these programs, except for regular Tramway admission.

For more information about the NHA summer programs or to register, please visit www.msjnha.org/events.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 20, 2019) Fine dining in an Alpine forest with panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley can be found in only one location—Peaks Restaurant at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. And there’s no better time to experience Peaks than during Palm Springs Restaurant Week May 31 through June 9, 2019.

The three-course $49 prix fixe menu (exclusive of tax, gratuity and tram fare) includes:

•  Starter—Green Salad, Corn Chowder or Beef Tartar
•  Entree—Potato Gnocchi, Lemon Pepper Chicken or Chimichurri Steak
•  Dessert—Orange Bread Pudding or Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake

Reduced tram fares after 4:00 p.m. are $18 for adults and seniors, and $12 for children (ages 3-10) with confirmed Peaks Restaurant reservations during Restaurant Week. The last tram car up Sunday through Thursday is 8:00 p.m. and the last car down is 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the last tram car up is 9:00 p.m. and last tram car down is at 10:30 p.m.

For menu details and more information on Palm Springs Restaurant Week, please visit https://pstramway.com/dining.

Summer Schedule Begins May 24

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 13, 2019) Memorial Day Weekend marks the official beginning of the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Extended holiday and weekend summer hours are just a few of the ways the Tramway is helping to extend your mountain adventure.

• Memorial Day, May 27, the first tram up at 8:00 a.m.
• May 24 through August 30 enjoy “Early Fridays.” The first tram up at 8:00 a.m. every Friday.
• Friday, May 24 through Saturday, August 31, evening hours will be extended on Fridays and Saturdays with the last car up at 9:00 p.m. and the last car down at 10:30 p.m. In addition, Peaks Restaurant will remain open until 8:30 p.m. and Pines Café until 9:30 p.m. on those days.
• For the first time, evening hours will also be extended on Sunday, May 26 for the Memorial Day Weekend. The last tram car up is at 9:00 p.m. and the last car down at 10:30 p.m.

“We are very happy to continue our extended-hours program so visitors have extra time to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and activities at the top of the Tram,” says Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (April 29, 2019) Southern California residents have long known that the coolest spot during the hot summer months is just a 10-minute tram ride away in the alpine forests atop majestic Mount San Jacinto. Beginning May 1, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Summer Pass makes “escaping the heat” easy—and affordable—for everyone when passes again go on sale.

Valid through August 31 2019, the Summer Pass includes unlimited Tram admissions for the pass-holder, a 10% discount on additional Tram admissions (up to 4 in party), a 10% discount at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and unlimited free parking. Cost of the Summer Pass is $80 for adults and seniors and $40 for children ages 3-10, and may be purchased at the Tramway’s Valley Station or online at www.pstramway.com beginning May 1.

Summer Pass holders also enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and multiple campgrounds all within the 14,000-acre pristine forest of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.

The Tramway’s Mountain Station offers spectacular viewpoints, two restaurants, cocktail lounge, gift shop and natural history museum.

The first tram up Monday through Friday is 10:00 a.m. and the first tram up Saturday and Sunday is 8:00 a.m. The last tram up daily is 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down is 9:45 p.m.

Just a short drive from many Southern California cities, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Summer Pass is the perfect summer escape!