Do rentals include boots and poles?

Yes — Red Raven provides snowshoes or skis with bindings; staff will fit boots and supply poles when required.

How long can I keep the gear?

Options include 4‑hour rentals and multi‑day rentals; check availability and return times at booking.

Are there guided tours included?

Rentals are self‑guided; staff provide trail recommendations and basic technique tips but no formal guided trips.

Is there youth sizing available?

Yes — youth snowshoe and ski sizes are available, though inventory varies seasonally and may require advance booking.

What happens if equipment is damaged or lost?

Renters are responsible for negligent damage or loss; late returns may also incur fees—read the rental agreement at check‑in.

Where are the best beginner routes?

Staff will point you to short, flat loops near trailheads that are ideal for families and first‑time users.

Snowshoe and Ski Rentals at Red Raven Bike Café — Explore Crosby & Cuyuna Lakes in Winter

On the outskirts of Crosby, Minnesota, Red Raven Bike Café outfits winter daydreams with sturdy snowshoes and skis for exploring the Cuyuna Lakes region. Located in downtown Crosby, Red Raven’s rental program makes it easy for families and first-timers to turn a snowy afternoon into a proper outdoor escape. The trails here loop around a chain of former iron‑ore pits—now clear, jewel‑tone lakes rimmed by steep rock faces and mixed pine and birch—so your route alternates open water views, wind‑sculpted drifts, and compacted mining-era ridgelines. Snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing on these groomed and ungroomed routes feels different from big‑mountain winter: the landscape is low and bright, with short, sharp climbs over exposed bedrock and long, quiet stretches across frozen lake surfaces. Key features to watch for include the glassy blue of flooded pit lakes, exposed ironstone outcrops that rust to orange, and stands of jack pine and paper birch that crack and sparkle in cold air. Wildlife is subtle but present—artists of quiet movement such as white‑tail deer and red squirrels are common; tracks of snowshoe hares and various birds animate the snow between trees. Red Raven Bike Café stands out in this region because it pairs gear access with local knowledge. Staff fit boots and bindings on site, point you to kid‑friendly loops and longer backcountry options, and pour hot coffee to revive chilled hands. The café sits a short walk from trailheads that access Cuyuna’s recreational corridor: it’s simple to rent, learn a few techniques, and set off for a loop that matches your group’s skill and energy. Families appreciate the low‑stress setup—youth sizes and beginner skis are available, and staff will help adjust straps and poles for safe, confident movement. More adventurous visitors can use multi‑day rentals to probe farther into the iron‑range topography, seeking out windswept ridges and quiet coves along frozen shorelines. Practical notes: arrive 15–30 minutes early for fittings, expect variable trail conditions depending on weather, and remember late returns may incur fees. Rentals come without guided instruction, so novices should ask staff for basic technique tips before heading out. Bring layered clothing, spare socks, and a small repair kit; conditions can shift from wind‑scoured crust to soft powder within a few miles. If you plan to explore frozen lake surfaces, check ice conditions locally and tell someone your route. Evening lights in downtown Crosby offer a warm post‑hike stop for pie or soup before returning equipment and warm memories.

Snowshoe and Ski Rentals at Red Raven Bike Café — Explore Crosby & Cuyuna Lakes in Winter

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