Ski or snowboard without having to drive I-70.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is open for business!
Created by Denver Parks and Rec and Winter Park, the rail yard has been giving more people access to the state's winter activities since 2007. Fourteen years later, it's once again welcoming all skill levels to tackle the 10 rails and boxes of varying configurations. And, it's all offered for the very agreeable price of FREE!
“We are grateful for Winter Park Resort’s partnership that allows us to offer this unique recreation opportunity in Denver,” said Happy Haynes, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “This program increases access to Colorado’s iconic snow sports while encouraging residents to stay active outside during the winter.”
More than 25 volunteers from both Winter Park and Denver Parks and Recreation build the rails and get the park ready for the public each season. This year, the crew had to wait out the dry and unseasonably warm January before conditions were perfect to start making snow, courtesy of the snow guns and technical assistance of TechnoAlpin.
"Hats off to the volunteers and Denver Parks and Recreation for the patience in waiting for the right time to fire up snowmaking to make Ruby Hill Rail Yard a reality in 2020. Together we are so proud to offer this experience to the citizens of this community and the City of Denver,” said Bob Holme Director of Mountain Maintenance and founder of Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
Ruby Hill Park is located off of South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue. The rail yard is completely free to the public and open every day during regular park hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is lighted every day from dusk until 9 p.m. Denver Parks and Recreation hopes to keep the park open into March, weather permitting.
Have you been to the Ruby Hill Rail Yard? Let us know in the comments below! Also, did you know that Olympic Gold Medalist Red Gerard has opened the FREE "Red's Backyard" skiing area in Copper? 'Cause it's awesome!