Get Involved: Recreation - Ruby Hill Railyard

Ruby Hill Railyard

Description:

Denver Parks & Recreation’s Alternative Sports program introduces youth and adults to exciting, non-traditional recreational activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and more. These experiences promote outdoor adventure, physical activity, and community connection in a fresh and modern way.

Each year, our team relies on dedicated volunteers to help make it all happen—especially during our biggest seasonal project: building and maintaining a community ski/snowboard terrain park! This collaborative effort helps bring a unique and accessible winter recreation experience to Denver residents.

Requirements:

• Follow all department policies regarding conduct, communication, and safety.
• Foster a positive, team-focused, and inclusive team environment free of harassment.
• Commit to attendance and training requirements throughout the entire season (typically January through March).

Expectations:

• Attend trainings and annual “meet and greet” meeting in December before season begins.
• Attend and help for at least 3 park “builds” (initial build, tear out at end of season and one other build).
• Complete one of two options for the following roles:
• Option #1: Operations Worker role:  Complete a weekly 6-hr shift (3:00 PM-9:00 PM) one day/week after the park is built.   Move or “farm” snow to fill holes “bombholes” and rake features to maintain take-offs and approaches.  Pick up trash if present and move trash/replace trash bags to maintain a clean environment.  We will work with you to find a day that works, and once you have been assigned that day you are expected to be at that shift for the duration of the season (usually mid-January to mid-March).  If you need to change your day, it will be your responsibility to find a person to switch with you.
• Option #2 Snow-maker role: In order to do this you must be able to work a daily shift each day for a 7-10 day period (usually in January).  8-hr shifts each day are needed for snow-makers (6 PM-2AM, 2 AM- 10 AM, or 10 AM- 6 PM).  This must work with your work schedule and is a lot of fun, but not for the faint of heart.
• Be ready to work hard entire shift. 
• Take care of yourself and others by maintaining a substance-free expectation for volunteers while working. No showing up intoxicated.  Drinking, smoking (tobacco or other), or taking any other mind-altering drugs will not be tolerated. 

Qualifications:

• A willingness to be a team player, solve problems, play by the rules, model positive behavior, and commit to the work throughout the entire season. 

Volunteer Benefits:

• Alterra Mountain Company Season Pass:  activated after you have completed your background check and agreed to your Ruby Hill Volunteer agreement. This will give you unlimited resort access to Winter Park and many other world-class resorts in the Alterra Family (Not an Ikon pass). You will earn to keep this pass in good standing for the entire 2025-2026 season as you fulfill your end of the bargain described in the requirements and expectations sections.
• Burton Denver Shop Opportunities: As a Ruby Hill volunteer you receive additional benefits from Burton. These include private tune clinics at the Burton Denver store and access to exclusive industry  discounting. 

Interests:

Recreation, Outdoor Skills

Skills:

Park Maintenance, Customer Service