Fundraiser Launched To Build Denver's First Ski lift
The Denver Park Trust (DPT) is raising funds to enhance one of Denver's most iconic parks, the Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
The DPT is hoping to raise $950,000 to install a new surface lift at the Ruby Hill Rail Yard, which is currently only accessible on foot.
Adding a new surface lift would expand access to the park by removing physical barriers for skiers and riders of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. It will also allow users to get more laps at the Rail Yard per visit.
The park, which features multiple features and jumps, could operate similarly to a small midwestern ski area if a surface lift were built. You can learn more about Ruby Hill Rail Yard in Warren Miller's SNO-CIETY segment below.
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Since 2007, Ruby Hill Rail Yard has brought winter recreation from Colorado's high country down to the Front Range. Thanks to Ruby Hill, Front Range skiers and riders no longer have to brave the I-70 corridor or pay ski-area lift ticket prices to get a few laps at their local park.
Over the last two decades, Ruby Hill Rail Yard has welcomed more than 12,000 visitors a year thanks to the work of Denver Parks and Recreation, volunteers, and community supporters from Winter Park Resort.
As of April 28, 2026, more than $152,000 had been raised via the Denver Park Trust fundraiser.
2026 was a particularly tough year for the Ruby Hill Rail Yard, which closed just a month after it opened for the season on February 1. Denver received a record-low 13.4 inches of snow from September through February, which, combined with record-high temperatures, made for tough conditions for the Rail Yard.
Despite the particularly short season, Denver Parks and Recreation still offered free snowboard lessons and welcomed Olympic athletes to the park this year.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM.