Significant snowfall bringing visitors to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
While the latest storm created frustrations with rain on the valley floor, our local mountains got some significant snowfall instead exciting visitors both young and old.
It’s a packed tram car as visitors makes their up the mountain, the desert floor giving way to a snowy terrain. Some visitors agreeing on one thing.
“COLD! It’s cold and a little wet,” Ted McRice, a visitor from Livermore, CA, said.
It’s stark contrast from a usually sunny Palm Springs, but Monday’s storm brought 8 inches of snow, and over a foot of snow is expected by the end of Tuesday. That’s not deterring hikers.
“It’s kind of nice. The light snow, a little bit of wind to blow on your face. Keeps you cool,” McRice said.
A group from Bubbling Wells Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs made the tram their field trip. Teachers say it’s meant to help bring new experiences.
“I don’t think they realize what it’s like being up here in actual snow. So, it’s a different experience especially for them, coming from the valley where it gets a 100 to 120, so this is definitely unique and one of a kind experience for them,” Jeremy Clarke, a teacher, said
Tram staff says this recent storm is the most significant snowfall in about six to seven years, and it’s helping attracting visitors with two to three hour waits on the weekends.
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“We have a lot of people here in the Coachella Valley that have never seen snow. Of course it’s bringing everyone from LA, San Diego, and locals out,” Cara Youngman, public relations manager with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, said.
With the snow such an attraction, a hiker says it’s well worth making trip before it’s too late.
“Just come on up here and enjoy it because You never know how long it will last,” Laura Haltman, Cathedral City
Tram staff says if you’re looking to beat the lines, they suggest planning your trip up the mountain
during the weekdays before the weekend rush cause those long lines.
