News

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 6, 2019) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will re-open as scheduled at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 7 after concluding its annual maintenance shutdown.

We look forward to welcoming guests back.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Continues Annual Tradition

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 30, 2019) Temperatures may still be on the warm side, 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 fall 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!

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 28, 2019) Due to maintenance delays, the reopening date for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has been moved from Monday, September 30 to tentatively Monday, October 7.

According to Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch, “During our current shutdown, a measurement device called the load cell was changed-out. After a site visit by the manufacturer of the Tram’s control system, it was determined that the new part was faulty and must be replaced before operation of the Tram resumes. Due to this reinstallation and additional required testing, our reopening has been delayed by one week.”

Adds Bartsch, “Our number one priority is always guest safety. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay has caused our visitors.”

“Uncovered in the Archives” Set to Air September 29, October 4 and October 9

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 25, 2019) Historical records of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will soon be revealed in an episode of the popular Empire/KVCR PBS series “Uncovered In the Archives.” Series host Brad Pomerance travels to Palm Springs to sift through the Tramway’s archives to learn how this world-renowned Southern California attraction came to be. The 30-minute episode is set to premier on September 29, 2019 at 9:30 p.m. with two subsequent air dates of October 4 and October 9.

According to Pomerance, “The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway holds so much history in Palm Springs that to have access to the archives of this iconic attraction was truly a treat for me.”

“Uncovered in the Archives” travels throughout Greater Inland California to reveal some of the region’s most extraordinary historical events and places—known and unknown, remembered and forgotten—all told through the hidden treasures that are discovered in the destinations visited.

The series is produced for Empire KVCR/PBS by Big Mist Productions and the Endeavor Production Company, with C.J. Eastman serving as executive producer and Glenn Grant as creative director.

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!