Snowmaking Begins For Return Of Ruby Hill Rail Yard
DENVER (CBS4)- The snowmaking is underway for the return of boarders and skiers to the Ruby Hill Rail Yard urban terrain park next month.
Volunteers with Denver Parks and Recreation and Winter Park Resort started making snow in advance of the January 2016 opening.
The recent cold snap delivered the perfect mix of conditions to start preparations on Ruby Hill Rail Yard. Volunteers began making snow on Monday.
"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 Mayor Michael B. Hancock in a statement. "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."
The rail yard features six to eight rails and boxes of varying terrain conditions and skill levels. The rail yard should be open for six to eight weeks depending on the weather.
"The rail yard at Ruby Hill would not be possible without all of the support we get from our partners at Winter Park Resort and Christy Sports," said Happy Haynes, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation, in a statement. "This is a very unique and creative way to keep Ruby Hill Park active during the slow winter months."
Ruby Hill Rail Yard was created in 2007 with a partnership between Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports and Winter Park Resort to bring an urban terrain park to the city.
Winter Park provides the rails and terrain park design along with staff while Christy Sports provides free rental equipment and Denver Parks provides the location and youth programs.
"Ruby Hill Rail Yard is the perfect representation of the power of collaboration between Denver Parks & Recreation and Winter Park Resort," said Gary DeFrange, President & COO of Winter Park Resort in a statement. "We're delighted to be able to help provide an urban terrain park that enables so many Denver residents, especially kids, an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in their back yard."
Additional Information about Ruby Hill Rail Yard:
Christy Sports has again signed on to be an equipment sponsor, providing free ski and snowboard equipment for use while at Ruby Hill. Volunteers will staff the equipment area to ensure proper fitting and adjustments. Youth, ages 8-17, will need to have a parent present to sign a release form before snowboards and/or skis will be loaned out. Equipment rentals will be available Friday-Sunday.
The Christy Sports on-site facility will be open on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Information and additional details about Opening Day, tentatively planned for the week of January 4, 2016, will be released once the Rail Yard is ready for public use.
Ruby Hill Park is located off of South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue. The park is open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Ruby Hill Rail Yard is lighted every day from dusk until 9 p.m.
