“When it snows, you have two options – shovel or sled. I choose a sled.”

A sledding hill is a sacred place. It is a place of winter play where children and adults alike experience the thrill of speeding down a snowy surface. Many winter sports can be exclusive based on finances, but a sledding hill is an inclusive gathering. A sledding hill is an open invitation to anyone willing to risk. Sledding is winter enjoyment that comes from effort. You learn how to “earn your turns” as the excitement of going down comes with the work of hiking back up the hill.

Almost any object can be used to descend a snowy hill—from heirloom wooden sleds to oversized metal sheet pans. An inflatable tube is widely agreed as the best way to go further and faster. A well-designed tube with a simple tow rope makes walking back up the hill easier work. The argument against tubes is the inability to steer them. For those wanting a bit more control on their descent, toboggan style sleds are a great option.

Ruby Hill Park has become Denver's most popular sledding hill. Located in southwest Denver, at over 250 feet, it is the largest designated sledding hill in the city. Beyond an abundance of space, there are some aspects that set Ruby Hill apart as an iconic sledding hill.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a unique winter skatepark for skiers and snowboarders. When it launched in 2007, it was the first free winter terrain park in an urban area according to Denver Parks & Recreation. The Rail Yard maintains a snowy surface throughout the season with snowmaking machines in collaboration with Winter Park Resort. There are designated areas adjacent to the Rail Yard groomed for sledding. The Rail Yard is illuminated which allows for the unique experience of nighttime sledding.

For children who tire of sledding, there is a large playground at the top of Ruby Hill Park. And for those who enjoying watching instead of working, the location provides beautiful 360-degree panoramic views of Denver, most notably at sunset each day.

Eugene Peterson wrote, “Praying and playing are deeply congruent with each other and have extensive inner connections.” The sledding hill at Ruby Hill Park is an amazing place of winter play. The sledding hill is a sacred place.

Ruby Hill Park
1200 W Florida Ave
Denver, CO 80223

Here is the best tube to purchase to enjoy on sledding hills according to Popular Mechanics.