Winter in Alexandria, MN looks a little different every year. Some years it feel “too cold,” others bring “not enough snow,” and then there are those perfect sunny winter days out on the ice. This year, Mother Nature delivered the ideal mix of fresh snow and crisp temperatures, setting the stage for incredible outdoor adventures across the Alexandria area.
Whether you’re snowshoeing through fresh powder, cross-country skiing, hitting the slopes at Andes Tower Hills, or cruising miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Alexandria offers plenty of places to rent winter gear for every activity. If you’re ready to get outside and make the most of the season, here’s your guide to where to rent winter equipment in Alexandria, MN and start exploring the best winter activities the area has to offer.
Where To Rent Snowshoes and Cross-County Skis
- If you are itching to hit the trails, you can rent snowshoes and cross-county skis from Andes Tower Hills right from the trailhead. There are miles of both classic and skating trails throughout 800 acres for you to explore.
- Lake Carlos State Park offers six miles of groomed trails for classical cross-county skiing and snowshoeing is available anywhere in the park besides the groomed trails, offering you even more scenery to explore! Snowshoes are available for rent at the park. Visit the park office during business hours to request rentals.
- Alexandria Community Education Program is super affordable for rentals for you to explore at your own pace! Rent snowshoes, cross-county skis and poles for just $3 a day. Youth and adult sizes are available!
Where to Snowshoe and Cross-County Ski
- Lake Brophy County Park you can enjoy the packed & groomed hiking trails, groomed cross-country skiing trails, a groomed sledding hill, ice skating rink, multiple fire rings and a warming area with indoor bathrooms.
- Carlos Creek Winery allows you to explore 3 miles of groomed snowshoe and cross-county trails though beautiful vineyard and forest. When you’re done, warm up in the taproom by the fireplace with a seasonal stout. Open Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-5pm (weather permitting). Access to the trails is free. We offer snowshoe rentals in the brewery.
- Kensington Rune Stone Park and Spruce Hill Park offer trails though wooded areas, hills, and frozen lakes. Be sure to check the ice for safety!
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking is a fun way to explore miles of the area in the winter. Fat Tire Bikes are available to rent at Jakes Bikes. Hit the trails at Lake Brophy County Park, the Central Lakes Trail, or Kensington Rune Stone Park for packed trails for your next biking adventure!
Ice Skating
Cowing Robards is you go-to destination hockey and figure skate rentals. Lace up your skates and hit the pond at Noonan Park, complimented with a warming house! You can often find open skating at the PrimeWest Runestone Community Center over winter break!
Snowmobiles
Looking for something fast and fun? Lake Darling Resort rents Polaris snowmobiles, and from there you have access to 368 miles groomed Douglas County trails. It’s a great option for a winter weekend adventure. You do not have to be a guest at the resort to rent snowmobiles.
Andes Tower Hills
Not only can you snowshoe and cross-county ski at Andes, they are well known for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing! Equipment rental includes everything you need for a fun day on the hill: helmets, poles, snowboards, bindings, skis and more!
Whether you want a laid-back afternoon snowshoeing or a full-speed adventure, everything you need is right here in Alexandria, Minnesota. Bundle up and start exploring!
