Got a hankering to get on the slopes but dont have time to make the drive to the mountains? If you live in the Denver area then be sure to visit Ruby Hill Park and the Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
Ruby Hill Park is located just south of downtown Denver and on the western edge of Overland Golf Course (check it out on Google Maps here.During the winter part of the park is dedicated to bringing the mountain experience of Colorado Ski Country to the heart of Denver thanks to a collaboration between Winter Park Resort, Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports, and some dedicated volunteers. First conceived back in 2007, the Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a great place to get your mountain fix in the heart of the city. Operating almost every year since 2007, this year marks the earliest the park has opened thanks to cold temperatures and abundant snowfall.
This is a one-of-a-kind program that gives our residents and visitors a true Rocky Mountain experience without having to step foot outside the city limits, said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. For our younger residents, this free urban rail yard experience helps them stay active when outdoor activities are more limited during the winter months and, in many cases, gives them their first exposure to the mountain sports that make Colorado one of the top locations worldwide for skiing and snowboarding.
Never skied or snowboarded before? No problem. The park is free and open to the public during normal park hours. And, Colorado based Christy Sports is providing free ski and snowboard rentals for youth ages 8 to 17 accompanied by a parent at the Ruby Hill pool area on Fridays from 3pm-8pm, Saturdays 11am-7pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm. Its a great way to get out and try skiing or snowboarding for the first time, or to shake some rust off if it has been a while since your last time on the slopes, or just looking to have some fun and enjoy Colorados signature winter sports. See here for more information.
After whetting your appetite for the snow after visiting Ruby Hill, dont forget that Winter Park resort is just a quick 90 minute drive from Denver.
