Isn’t it great to know that you can have it both ways in the desert?

Palm Springs has everything for a sensational winter: chilled or room temperature. This week begins the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the desert climate is creating a climate that seemingly only a Hollywood movie could produce.

The entire Coachella Valley has its thermostat set to “perfect”-mid-seventies, just a few clouds and no wind (although the gentle evening breezes occasionally come our way).

But fear not winter-wonder lovers, just a few minutes away, there the perfect escape into Jack Frost’s domain—12 inches of snow on the ground and the high is 50 degrees atop the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can whisk you up the mountainside in their unique 360-degree rotating tramcars (the largest in the world) and ascend you to the wintery peak in just a matter of minutes; you’ll wish the ride was a lot longer and it will keep you coming back for more.

The Tramway station is just a 4 mile drive up the steep, winding Tramway Road. Tramway Road is right near the entrance to Palm Springs proper, next to the Visitor’s Center, so take advantage of every wonder from the moment you step foot in the city entrance.

Tickets will get you a 2 ½ mile ride up the amazing vertical climb within the Vista Chino Canyon, effectively transporting you through multiple climate zones. At the top, you enter a whole new snowy mountain world—and just below your feet when you are ready to make your escape from the cold is the perfect desert weather below.

Whether you go there to have a unique dining locale, or plan to enjoy the mountain wilderness, pause long enough to take in the panoramic view the mountain-top splendors of the Coachella Valley. Be sure to check out the Official Aerial Tram Website to see live webcams, incredible real-time views of the valley and surroundings, and 24/7 weather conditions.

Enjoy the snow—you’ll appreciate the desert warmth even more when you return!