While trading off a few thousand feet of elevation change for the convenience of an urban rail yard does not work for everybody, Ruby Hill is a great site for beginners as well as more experienced boarders who just want a quick few runs, without the time, expense and hassles of heading to the hills. The Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a partnership of Winter Park Resort and Denver Parks and Recreation. Crews will cover the Ruby Hill bowl with approximately one acre of man-made snow, three feet deep. Current plans call for an opening date of Sat., Jan. 19, weather permitting. The Rail Yard should remain open through the end of February. More than 750,000 gallons of water will be purchased from Denver Water to create the free facility. Last year’s site consisted of six rails of varying configurations and skill levels. There are plans to expand the number of offerings this year. The cost to create and manage the Ruby Hill Rail Yard is approximately $40,000, and is split between the project sponsors. Info: www.winterparkresort.com/rubyhill or call Matt Sugar, 303- 356-4002.