Trying to learn how to shred on the rails? Denver’s Ruby Hill Rail Yard can teach a thing or two.
This free downhill winter sports park, located off South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue, opens to the public Sunday. The city-owned urban skiing and snowboarding terrain park is free to the public.
Additionally, the park offers free equipment rentals on select days.
Denver Parks & Recreation officials said on Thursday recent cold weather has helped with snowmaking, “enabling the build-out of the rail yard.”
Staff from the Winter Park Resort also assist in the efforts, providing staff, technical support and expertise to design Ruby Hill Rail Yard. The city of Denver provides the location and management of the free terrain park, and more than 35 volunteers work each season to make it possible, according to city officials.
“Denver Parks and Recreation employees and volunteers were instrumental in the construction and setup,” officials said. “As one of DPR’s signature amenities, the Ruby Hill Rail Yard provides vital access to outdoor recreation and winter sports for the community.”
Alike last year’s newer amenities, Ruby Hill Rail Yard this year will feature more newly designed rails, boxes and configurations to accommodate all skill levels, according to parks officials. The urban skiing terrain park has offered free winter sport opportunities since 2007.
The rail yard is open daily during regular park hours, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The slope is illuminated every day from 4 to 9 p.m. and volunteers are present during lighted hours.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard will begin offering free rental equipment on Friday, Jan. 31. Free rental days are Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., then Saturdays and Sunday’s from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes snowboards, boots, helmets and snow tubes.
“This initiative is designed to make winter sports accessible to all,” officials said.
The Ruby Hill Rail Yard will remain open through March, weather permitting, city officials said.
Free community events are planned until March at Ruby Hill Rail Yard:
- Burton Mystery Series – Saturday, Feb. 8
- Snow Pirates Co. Event and Competition – Saturday, Feb. 22
- CoreNation Rail Jam – Saturday, March 1
- Denver Learns to Ride Day – Last Saturday before Rail Yard Closure (TBD)
For more information on Ruby Hill Rail Yard and more visit denvergov.org/OutdoorRec.
