¿Habla usted español?
For Directions: Click here for Mapquest and enter "Ruby Hill" in DENVER, CO. Directions and maps will be provided.
Recommended Hours of Use: Dawn to 9pm
Other Recommendations: Use of Helmets HIGHLY recommended!
Tips: Please keep the area safe and clean! Have fun and enjoy!
Free ski and snowboard rentals will be available for kids ages 8 to 17, beginning January 2012.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is made possible by Winter Park Resort, Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports, Johnson Controls, Denver Water, Choose Outdoors, Northface, Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Snowboard Outreach Society (SOS), and over 30 volunteers.
First established in 2007, Ruby Hill Rail Yard was the country's first free urban terrain park based in a city. The experimental program attracted approximately 3000 youth and adults, and instantly became a nationwide model for numerous cities and ski resort collaborations. The second year saw participation grow to over 6000, which the city used to quantify Ruby Hill Rail Yard as an annual park.
Events at Ruby Hill Rail Yard:
For the latest in events and programs at Ruby Hill Rail Yard, click here.
About Snowmaking:
Snowmaking will be utilized to create enough snow for the temporary Rail Park. Over an acre of snow, 2-3 feet deep, will be made during the middle of January in hopes that it will last many weeks. The Rail Park's Northeastern exposure will reduce the angle of the mid-day sun helping to prolong the snow's melt-out. In addition to the Rail Yard's exposure, man-made snow melts slower than natural snow. Why? Man-made snow has higher water content than natural snow. As a result, it is denser which makes it more resistant to warmer temperatures and sun. This is one of the reasons why mountain resorts make man-made snow on their most popular runs. It lasts longer into the springtime providing a more durable and long-lasting surface.
Other information and details:
- The park is free and open to the public during normal park hours.
- 7 rails will be featured in beginner, intermediate, and advanced configurations.
- Events and contests will be held occasionally to showcase Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
- A team of ~30 volunteers will be used to maintain the Rail yard. Volunteers will be selected from the community and the ski/snowboard industry. If you see them out on the hill, thank them for their support of your park!
About Ruby Hill Park
Named for the red garnet-colored stones found in the adjacent Platte River, 88-acre Ruby Hill Park was acquired in 1954. The park has long provided opportunities for popular year round activities. Many Denver residents remember Ruby Hill as a prime location for winter tobogganing and inner tubing. Snow sledding, baseball, softball, outdoor swimming, and a playground designed for accessibility by children with disabilities make the park a favorite spot for all kinds of recreation, including picnics and kite flying. Lighted baseball and softball fields allow optimal use of the park during normal park hours, 5 a.m. until the lights go out at 9 p.m. From the park's high bluff, used years ago by Native Americans as a lookout point, visitors can enjoy a memorable view of Denver's skyline.
For information on Ruby Hill Rail Yard, please contact winterparkresort@winterparkresort.com. To learn more about Winter Park Resort's terrain parks and freeride scene go to rlyrd.com.
