City and County of Denver, CO

01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2025 07:07

Ruby Hill Rail Yard Opens for 2025 Season

Ruby Hill Rail Yard Opens for 2025 Season

Published on January 23, 2025

The Ruby Hill Rail Yard officially opens for the 2025 season this Sunday, January 26, 2025. This season, the rail yard features newly designed rails, boxes, and configurations to accommodate skill levels from beginner to advanced. Open to both snowboarders and skiers, the rail yard remains free to the public. Weather permitting, the rail yard will be open until March.

Recent cold weather has allowed for snowmaking, enabling the build-out of the rail yard with the help of Winter Park Resort, which provides staff and technical assistance. Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) employees and volunteers were instrumental in the construction and setup. As one of DPR's signature amenities, the Ruby Hill Rail Yard provides vital access to outdoor recreation and winter sports for the community.

In addition, starting Friday, February 2, 2025, DPR will be offering FREE rental equipment, including snowboards, boots, helmets, and snow tubes, on Fridays from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. This initiative is designed to make winter sports accessible to all.

Free community events at the rail yard will include:

  • Burton Mystery Series - Saturday, February 8, 2025
  • Snow Pirates Co. Event and Competition - Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • CoreNation Rail Jam - Saturday, March 1, 2025
  • Denver Learns to Ride Day - Last Saturday before Rail Yard Closure (TBD)

These events will feature rail demos by regional riders, with additional event details posted on denvergov.org/OutdoorRec as they are finalized.

The Ruby Hill Rail Yard was created in 2007 as a collaboration between DPR and Winter Park Resort to offer a premier winter sports experience in an urban setting. Winter Park Resort contributes its technical expertise in rail park design, while DPR manages the location and operations. Over 35 dedicated volunteers work each season to help bring this project to life.

Ruby Hill Park, home to the rail yard, is located off South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the Rail Yard is lighted daily from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Volunteers will be present during the lighted hours for upkeep and to assist visitors. The Ruby Hill Rail Yard is free and open to the public.