News

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!

Tramway Opens 8:00 a.m. on July 3 and 4

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 19, 2017). In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will open early on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. The first tram car up those days 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.)

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!

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 16, 2017) May 20 kicks off the summer programs of the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association (NHA) in partnership with the Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness (MSJSP&W).

According to NHA President Joe Migliore, “While we live in a desert, we decided to launch a new educational program series featuring a high mountain experience.”

The first program entitled “The Ten Essentials of Wilderness Travel” is led by Senior Patroller Carl Maple and includes an undisclosed hike. Advance registration is required.

Then, on May 27 and 28, “Junior Ranger Days” returns to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Formerly “Family Days,” 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 24, July 29, August 12, and September 2 and 3. No advance registration is required.

Also, free Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume May 27 and continue Saturdays and Sundays through late summer. 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.

State Park Programs

State Park NHA Poster

Diners Enjoy Peaks Restaurant At 8,516 Feet

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 08, 2017) 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 June 2-11, 2017.       

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

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

Reduced tram fares after 4:00 p.m. are $18 for adults and seniors, and $12 for children (ages 3-12) 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 at 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 26

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Extended holiday hours, late-evening weekend trams and early-morning Friday trams are just a few of the ways the Tramway is helping to extend your mountain adventure.

• In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, weekend hours will be extended through Monday, May 29 with the first car up at 8:00 a.m. each day.
• Beginning Friday, May 26 and continuing through Saturday, September 2, 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. Enjoy over an extra hour in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and the sparkling nighttime views of the entire Coachella Valley. Also, Peaks Restaurant will remain open until 8:30 p.m. and Pines Café until 9:30 p.m. on those days.
• Beginning May 26 and running through September 1 is “Early Fridays.” For those fifteen Fridays, the tram will open two hours early at 8:00 a.m.

According to Tramway Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nancy Nichols, “We are happy to once again offer our summer visitors an extended-hours program. Everyone seems to appreciate additional time to both escape the desert heat and enjoy our pristine Alpine forests.”

Start the summer above it all at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!