News

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!