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.”