Ruby Hill Rail Yard Now Open for 2020 Season

Winter Park Resort and Denver Parks & Recreation Team Up to Provide Free Skiing and Snowboarding at Urban Terrain Park

February 12, 2020 - Marking the start of its 14th season, the Ruby Hill Rail Yard is now officially open for the 2020 Season. The rail yard is available to both snowboarders and skiers and is absolutely free. The Ruby Hill Rail Yard features ten rails and boxes of varying configurations and skill level along with new features built this year. Weather permitting, the rail yard will be open into March.

After a warm and dry January, recent cold weather has finally delivered conditions to allow for snowmaking and building of the yard. TechnoAlpin provided snow guns and technical assistance in snowmaking efforts, along with volunteers from Denver Parks and Winter Park Resort, bringing the excitement and energy of skiing and snowboarding to Ruby Hill Park.

“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.”

 “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.     

The Ruby Hill Rail Yard was created in 2007 as a joint effort between Denver Parks and Recreation and Winter Park Resort to offer a winter sport experience in an urban setting. Winter Park provides the rails, terrain park design and staff; and Denver Parks and Recreation provides the location and management. More than 25 volunteers work tirelessly each season to help make the rail yard possible.

Ruby Hill Park is located off of South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue. The rail yard is 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. Ruby Hill Rail Yard is free to the public.