Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Opens Snow Guessing Contest
The annual competition challenges participants to predict the first snowfall at the Mountain Station.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Current Conditions
Live Poll
Do you believe local weather-based contests are a reliable way to track shifting regional climate conditions?
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will launch its annual snow guessing contest on October 1, 2026. Participants are tasked with guessing the date of the first measurable inch of snow at the Mountain Station, which sits at an elevation of 8,516 feet.
Why it matters
The contest engages the public in local meteorological events, highlighting the impact of seasonal weather patterns. A strong El Niño event is projected for the coming months, which may influence the timing of the first snowfall compared to previous years.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 90% chance of a strong El Niño event this season. Last year, the first measurable inch of snow was recorded at the 8,516-foot Mountain Station on November 16.
The players
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This organization operates the world's largest rotating tramcar to transport passengers from the desert floor to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This federal agency is responsible for monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, including providing long-range climate forecasts.
The details
Participants can enter the contest by mailing a postcard with their predicted date to the Palm Springs address. The first ten entries to correctly guess the date will each receive four tram tickets and a gift.
Timeline
The snow guessing contest officially begins on October 1, 2026.
Last year, the first inch of snow fell on November 16.
Seasonal Patterns
The current 90% probability of a strong El Niño event follows the pattern set by the 2015-2016 strong El Niño event, which historically brought increased rainfall to the region. This atmospheric shift complicates snowfall predictions as warmer ocean temperatures influence regional storm moisture.
Residents and visitors interested in participating must mail a postcard to the designated Palm Springs address by the entry deadline. Those visiting the tramway should prepare for potentially wet conditions this season due to the elevated probability of strong El Niño storms.
The takeaway
Predicting the first snowfall requires tracking both local cold fronts and broader climate trends like El Niño. Residents can monitor seasonal updates to improve their chances of success in the annual tramway competition.
Further reading
For updates on local weather patterns, visit Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Desert Sun.
Live Poll
Do you believe local weather-based contests are a reliable way to track shifting regional climate conditions?
