Denver's Free Ski Park Just Opened, but There's a Catch This Season

Denver's skiers and snowboarders have experienced a rather dry season thus far.

The Rocky Mountains' snowpack is well below average, but thanks to the "incredible" work of volunteer snowmakers and park shapers, the city's beloved, and most importantly, free, Ruby Hill Rail Yard and Terrain Park has officially opened for the season as of February 1, 2026.

"Crazy to think we can open with the snow drought this year!" writes Ruby Hill's official Instagram page. "The volunteers killed it! Snowmaking went incredible! Thank you @denverparksrec @alterramtnco @wprailyard."

The free hike park is opening with "11 pieces of steel", jumps, flat pads, a sledding hill, and a roller zone.

Unfortunately, there's one change to Ruby Hill Rail Yard's operations this winter. The park doesn't have power "due to construction". Meaning, lights won't illuminate Ruby Hill's features for after-work and late-night riding.

"Use of the park after dark is not advised and at your own risk," ends the post.

Tap or click the embedded Instagram post below to check out Ruby Hill's setup for this season.

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Located in South Denver, Ruby Hill Park offers the things one would expect from a regular city park: basketball hoops, picnic areas, baseball fields, etc.

In the winter, however, the park is transformed into a hikeable ski and snowboard terrain park thanks to a partnership between Winter Park Resort and Denver Parks and Recreation.

An aerial photo of the park, as seen below, shows that it's small when compared to Colorado's famous ski resorts, but as a free, essentially backdoor terrain park located in the middle of a major metropolitan area, Denver's park rats and jibbers take full advantage.

The lack of lights this season is unfortunate, but imagine pulling up to the hike park after logging a long shift or sitting in a classroom all day. It's a welcome relief to skiers and snowboarders just looking to slide on snow.