Denver's beloved urban ski and snowboarding spot, Ruby Hill Rail Yard, is set to open on January 26, promising another season of free winter sports fun for the community. As reported by Denver Parks and Recreation, enthusiasts from beginner to advanced levels can look forward to enjoying the newly designed rails, boxes, and configurations.
The recent chill has allowed the staff to make enough snow to properly build out the yard, with Winter Park Resort teaming up to provide technical help alongside Denver Parks and Recreation. The fruits of their labor are a couple of fresh features and layouts to play on. Plans to keep the rail yard running are in place up until March, weather permitting, to continuously offer an essential avenue for people to engage in outdoor activities during the winter months.
Moreover, starting February 2, free rental equipment will be available, including snowboards, boots, helmets, and snow tubes. Denver Parks and Recreation will be offering these resources on Fridays from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., an initiative structured to break down the barriers to entry for winter sports, making these activities more accessible to everyone.
Community events aren't going to be left in the cold either, with free activities such as the Burton Mystery Series on February 8, the Snow Pirates Co. Event and Competition on February 22, and the CoreNation Rail Jam on March 1. Additionally, Denver Learns to Ride Day will take place on the last Saturday before the rail yard closes for the season. All events promise to bring together regional riders to showcase their skills, according to Denver Parks and Recreation.
The Ruby Hill Rail Yard, nestled in Ruby Hill Park off South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue, has been a staple since its inception in 2007 through a collaboration with Winter Park Resort. It operates daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and lights up each night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with volunteers on hand to maintain the facilities and aid visitors. This partnership reflects a consistent commitment to bringing elite winter sports experiences to an urban environment, completely free of charge to the public. This snow-strewn wonderland in the heart of the city is not just a place for sport, but a symbol of community spirit and inclusivity in motion.
