If you've been watching the mountains enviously this week, here's a salve: Denver has opened its free miniature ski and snowboard area to the public.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is all about the jumps, with up to ten rails (the kind you slide down) and boxes (the kind you jump over/on) for the riding. It's really aimed at people who are working on their tricks and jumps – you won't find enough elevation to really carve. Bring a helmet.
If you want to go:
- The park will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, but the terrain park will only be lighted until 9 p.m.
- Parking is at 1555 West Mexico Avenue, about 20 minutes south of downtown.
The rail yard will be open through the end of February, weather permitting. Established in 2009, it's a joint effort every yeabetween the city parks department and Winter Park Resort.
Winter Park describes it as "the first free urban terrain park based in a city."
