New Heights at Buck Hill: Ride the Red Bull Heavy Metal Rails!
Winter 2024-2025 at Buck Hill Ski and Snowboard Area is set to be one for the history books as we welcome the legendary Red Bull Heavy Metal rail features to our terrain parks! These iconic rails, fresh from the adrenaline-fueled Red Bull Heavy Metal event at the Minnesota State Capitol, are now permanent additions to Buck Hill’s terrain offerings. If you’re an avid terrain park rider, this is the ultimate chance to experience features designed for the pros and elevate your season with exclusive park setups unlike anywhere else.
The Legacy of Red Bull Heavy Metal
The Red Bull Heavy Metal snowboard event has a storied history that resonates throughout the snowboarding world. Launched in 2003 in Minneapolis, it quickly gained recognition for pushing the boundaries of urban snowboarding. The event brought together top-tier snowboarders, daring them to take on an array of challenging obstacles, from tall handrails to steep stair sets and creative street-inspired features. This street-style format instantly struck a chord with riders and fans, highlighting the raw creativity, skill, and courage required to excel in the sport.
Red Bull Heavy Metal’s impact on snowboarding culture has been profound. Unlike traditional setups, this event emphasized a real-world approach, celebrating the sport’s street-style roots and inspiring riders worldwide to reimagine their urban landscapes. When Red Bull Heavy Metal returned to Minnesota in 2024 at the State Capitol, it reignited the high-energy atmosphere that made it legendary, showcasing some of the most intense, high-stakes riding in the industry. Now, a piece of that legacy finds a home at Buck Hill.
Buck Hill and Red Bull Heavy Metal: A Perfect Partnership
Buck Hill and Red Bull have been collaborating to bring this high-octane energy to local riders. Last season, Buck Hill made history by hosting the first-ever Heavy Metal Qualifier, allowing Midwest riders to prove their skills and earn a coveted spot at the main event. This partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to progression in snowboarding and fostering an inclusive community that challenges itself to ascend to higher ground.
With the addition of three Red Bull Heavy Metal rail features, Buck Hill’s commitment to offering premier terrain park experiences has been taken up a few notches. Our terrain parks are designed for all riders, from those just starting to explore park features to seasoned riders looking to sharpen their skills. With the addition of these iconic rails, we’re excited to provide a unique experience and honor the spirit of Red Bull Heavy Metal right here in the Midwest.
What to Expect: Red Bull Heavy Metal Rail Features at Buck Hill
Buck Hill’s Head Terrain Park Manager, Myles Grote, couldn’t be more thrilled about adding the Red Bull Heavy Metal rails to the resort’s terrain park lineup. “I’m excited that kids will be able to ride the same features that the pros rode at Heavy Metal.” Myles shared. For him, bringing these iconic rails to Buck Hill is more than just an addition – it’s a unique opportunity for local riders to experience professional-level setups and push their own skills.
To ensure these features are park-ready and safe, Myles and his team have been hard at work, adding plywood safety skirting, applying fresh paint, and making structural improvements with new welds. The Down Flat Down rail, a showstopper among the features, is so large it’ll need to be welded together right on the snow. With each rail meeting strict criteria for resort safety, these additions will fit seamlessly into Buck Hill’s renowned arsenal of terrain features, further enhancing the resort’s reputation as a top destination for progression and creativity in the Midwest snowboarding scene.
Here’s a sneak peek at the three exclusive Red Bull Heavy Metal rails now at Buck Hill:
Down Flat Down Rail – 55’ (30’ – 5’ – 20’) This complex feature offers a thrilling progression for advanced riders, providing multiple transition points to showcase creativity and style.
Two Down Rails – Both 20’ | Staples in street-style snowboarding, the Down Rails challenges riders to master balance and control.
These features aren’t just rails; they’re testaments to the thrill of street snowboarding, each inviting you to bring your own style and technique. Now, you can tackle the same features that pros rode during one of snowboarding’s most intense events, right at your home hill.
Ride in Buck Hill’s Progressive Terrain Parks
Buck Hill offers four diverse terrain parks – The Knob, Rail Yard, Redtail Ridge, and Little Jibber – each designed to cater to various skill levels and riding styles. With the addition of the Red Bull Heavy Metal rails, Buck Hill is expanding on its mission to provide progressive, challenging parks that cater to everyone. You might be working on your first boardslides or perfecting your switch back 1 pretzel 3 out, Buck Hill’s parks are equipped to help you grow as a rider.
Our terrain parks aren’t just places to ride; they’re places to innovate, connect, and set lofty goals. Imagine hitting the Red Bull Heavy Metal rails surrounded by friends and fellow riders, each encouraging one another to ride at their max. This is your chance to embrace that adrenaline and start a new chapter in your own riding journey.
Why a Season Pass Is a Must-Have for Park Riders
This season, Buck Hill’s parks have something truly unique to offer, and a Buck Hill Season Pass is your ticket to accessing it all. A season pass gives you unlimited access to all four terrain parks, as well as the Midwest’s only halfpipe, so you can ski and ride, practice, and progress whenever you want. With no blackout dates and unlimited riding opportunities, your season pass lets you return as often as you’d like to tackle the Red Bull Heavy Metal rails, giving you the time and freedom to master each feature.
With an average of over 100 days of snow-filled fun each season, you’ll have ample opportunity to push your skills and fully explore the capabilities of the Red Bull Heavy Metal features. There’s no better way to embrace the Midwest winter and make the most of these high-energy additions than by locking in your pass for the season.
Bringing the Spirit of Red Bull Heavy Metal to Buck Hill
The arrival of the Red Bull Heavy Metal rails is more than just an addition to our terrain parks – it’s a celebration of what makes freeskiing and snowboarding so exhilarating. It’s about challenging yourself, finding ways to express your style, and embracing the excitement of every run. We’re thrilled to bring this slice of snowboarding’s elite event to Buck Hill, and we know it will inspire skiers and riders of all abilities to set goals and try never-been-done before tricks.
If you’re here to tackle the Red Bull rails or to experience the atmosphere that comes with it, Buck Hill is ready to be your playground. With every drop-in, every slide, and every trick attempt, you’re stepping into a legacy of passion and progression.
Get Your Buck Hill Season Pass Today!
The opportunity to ride the exclusive Red Bull Heavy Metal features is only available at Buck Hill. Don’t miss out on this incredible addition to our terrain parks – grab your season pass now and make this winter a season of firsts, progression, and endless fun. Ride the rails the pros rode and become part of the Buck Hill and Red Bull Heavy Metal legacy.
Experience the excitement of Red Bull Heavy Metal. Make every run count this season at Buck Hill.
