How long can I keep rentals?

Rentals are available from single-afternoon periods up to multi-day bookings—check your booking for exact return windows.

Can kids use the equipment?

Yes—youth sizes are available, but sizing is subject to availability and guardians may need to sign waivers.

Do I need prior experience?

No—basic instruction and fitting are provided; trail choices can be tailored to beginners.

Some community trails are groomed seasonally; staff will point out groomed loops and recommended routes at check-in.

Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, a daypack, snacks, and a charged phone; staff can recommend additional items.

Is safety equipment provided?

Rentals include gear fit and basic advice; bring or rent additional personal safety equipment if planning longer or exposed tours.

Trekking Skis & Snowshoe Rentals at Red Raven Bike Café — Explore Cuyuna Lakes in Winter

Red Raven Bike Café's Trekking Skis and snowshoe rentals open winter doors to Crosby, Minnesota's Cuyuna Lakes region. Located in downtown Crosby, a small lakeside town west of Brainerd, this rental service drops you at the trailheads that slice through pine- and birch-covered ridges surrounding the clear, deep mine lakes. Step outside the café, pick up fitted snowshoes or trekking skis, and within minutes you can be following groomed community trails and quiet singletrack that climb iron-range ridgelines and sweep along frozen lake edges. The Cuyuna Lakes area is known for its steep-sided pits, remnant mining cuts, and rocky outcrops—terrain that makes winter travel dramatic: wind-sculpted drifts, exposed granite ledges, and pockets of jack pine that hold snow in lacy shade. Whether you move at a family stroll or push for aerobic touring, these rentals make the region approachable for beginners while still useful for experienced winter explorers. The rental process at Red Raven Bike Café is straightforward: arrive for a quick fitting, review staff trail recommendations, and head out with a self-guided plan. Rentals range from a single afternoon to multi-day use, so you can build a winter weekend around the lakes, stop back for hot coffee, and swap route ideas with local staff. On clear days the contrast between blue ice and forested ridges is striking; watch for deer tracks and the flash of a red-tailed hawk on thermals. What makes this offering special is its combination of convenience and access. Few towns offer rental gear steps from a clustered trail network that feels wild yet is maintained and mapped by local volunteers. The café adds warmth and a chance to refuel post-tour, and the staff's local knowledge helps you choose lake loops, sheltered forest runs, or more exposed ridgeline tracks depending on conditions. Safety-wise, watch for variable snow depth near old mine pits, check local trail reports, and plan for changing weather — Minnesota winter afternoons shorten fast. For families, rentals make a simple, low-barrier outdoor day: kids can learn balance and winter navigation on gentle loops before graduating to longer exploration. Red Raven Bike Café's snowshoe and ski rentals are the kind of local resource that turns a cold day into an accessible adventure: easy to book, tuned to community trails, and rooted in the rugged, post-mining landscape of Cuyuna Lakes near Crosby, Minnesota. Check return times and sizing before you go — inventory can fluctuate midwinter, and youth sizes sometimes run out. The café serves hot beverages and sandwiches, and staff can advise on ice conditions and routes around Peary Lake and Porter Lake. Owner/operator information is not provided in the booking details; contact Red Raven Bike Café directly for business-hours specifics and seasonal closures vary.

Trekking Skis & Snowshoe Rentals at Red Raven Bike Café — Explore Cuyuna Lakes in Winter

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear