Renting Snowshoes & Cross-Country Skis from PCC

We know renting new winter equipment can be nerve wracking. Where do you even begin?! Look no further! We've got your answers.

A great place to start is with what you should you wear. Dress in (non-cotton) layers: As always when exercising outdoors, dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to suit your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton because it can get soaked and chill you, and instead choose synthetics or wool styles because they wick moisture and retain warmth even when wet. Note: Cross-country ski clothing is designed for aerobic winter activity, and can do double-duty as snowshoe clothing. Still have questions? Check out this helpful blog from REI.

WHERE TO RENT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS & SNOWSHOES

Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent from the Jester Park Nature Center. The cross-country ski rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Poles and boots are NOT included with your snowshoe rental.

*Skis and snowshoes will only be rented if there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground.

Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center Winter Hours of Operation: 

• Wednesday-Sunday (pending 6" of snow or more) | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

For more information, or to reserve your skis or snowshoes, call: (515)-323-5330

RENTAL EQUIPMENT PRICES

  • Cross-Country Ski Package (skis, boots, & poles) | $15/half day (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 - 3:30 p.m.)
  •  Snowshoes | $10/half day (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 - 3:30 p.m.)


WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RENT

Cross-Country Skis

  • We need the weight, height, and European shoe size of each person renting the skis.
  • Ski sizes are based on weight of individual.
  • Ski pole lengths are based on height of individual.

Snowshoes

  • We offer four sizes of snowshoes that are based on weight
    • 40-90 lbs
    • 80-150 lbs
    • 120-200 lbs
    • 170-250 lbs
  • You do not need to know specific shoe size, but rather the weight of the individual who will be wearing them.
  • Bindings are adjustable and you can wear any type of winter boot with the snowshoes. We suggest something water proof. 
  • Stay off groomed ski trails! 

WHERE TO GO

Cross-Country Ski

Groomed cross-country ski trails can be found in Jester Park and Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt as well as at Big Creek State Park. Trails will be groomed after a snowfall over six inches. Jester Park is groomed for classic and skate skiing while Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is groomed for classic only.

*Snowshoers, hikers, dog walkers, runners, and bicyclists are asked to stay off groomed trails.

At Jester Park (ski trail map) there are 6.1 miles of trails. The Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center and the campground registration area will serve as trailheads. Trails will lead skiers through the woods, near Saylorville Lake and along the edge of the golf course. Skiers may break their own trail in the park but must remain on the groomed portions if skiing the golf course.

Flat trails can be found at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (ski trail map) in northeastern Polk County. Trails will wind through the woodlands, following the old Skunk River channel. Many different loops will be groomed, all beginning from the campground. You may see deer, fox, and otter tracks along the trail.

Follow the Des Moines Nordic Club's Facebook page for updates, tips, and other places to explore.

Snowshoe

Snowshoeing can be enjoyed by anyone just about anywhere in Polk County. The only places to avoid snowshoeing are on groomed cross-country ski trails found at Jester Park, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt and golf courses.

*Snowshoers are asked to stay off groomed trails.

Recommended Trails



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