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Winter Rentals

OUW WinterRentals FCI 22 0842 V2

Rent Snowshoes & Ice Skates

Snowshoe and ice skate rentals are seasonal and weather dependent! Wintertime rentals are the perfect gift for everyone, including that hard-to-buy-for person. Treat someone to an experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Gift Outdoor Rentals

Snowshoe Rentals

Win at winter and take snowshoes out on Lake Mendota! Hourly rentals are available on a first come, first served basis during Outdoor UW's open hours. You may also take rentals for weekends and week-long excursions with a reservation.

For offsite rentals,

  • Fill out a rental request OR stop by the Outdoor UW Office
  • Our staff will review your request for availability, create your reservation and send you a confirmation email, including an invoice to pay before pickup. 
  • Pick up your rental equipment and sign a Liability Waiver.
  • Return your gear during our open office hours.

For any questions, please contact our office at 608-262-1630 or email outdooruw@union.wisc.edu.

Snowshoe Prices
Hourly Rentals $8/hour
Onsite Daily Rentals $15/day
Offsite Weekend Rentals $30/weekend (Friday-Tuesday)
Offsite Weekly Rentals $40/weekly
Trekking Pole Rentals $2 upon availability

Ice Skating Rentals

Life's nice on the ice, especially with Outdoor UW ice skates. Rentals are exclusively available on a first come, first served basis during Outdoor UW's open hours. Rentals are for use on Lake Mendota only. 

Ice Skating Prices
Student Rentals  $5/hour
Non-Student Rentals  $7/hour

 

 

Policies and Forms

    • Renters must be 18+ years. 
    • If renting equipment for a group, the individual renting equipment is responsible for all equipment as indicated on the contract and any late, lost, repair or cleaning fees.
    • Walk-in rentals rentals are first-come, first-served. Reserve online to guarantee availability.
    • Payment in full is required before or at pickup for all off-site rentals.
    • All rental equipment is to be used as intended by the manufacturer. Customers are encouraged to request a demonstration in the proper use of all equipment rental items. Outdoor UW reserves the right to assess late or damage fees on equipment reservations.

    We are able to accommodate individuals and groups. Contact us to discuss your group rental needs. 

  • All Outdoor UW snowshoe rentals are subject to the discretion of the renter. We advise proper planning when taking equipment, which includes examining weather reports and preparing in the case of bad weather or conditions. Lake Mendota, as well as other bodies of water with significant depth that freeze over, are inherently dangerous and travel on frozen bodies of water is at the risk of the renter.

  • Snowshoeing is a great way to experience winter. But wherever you go, please stay on designated snowshoe trails—snow is habitat and there’s a lot going on under the surface!

    Minutes from Campus

    UW Arboretum
    Driving Directions: West entrance: Off Seminole Highway, just north of the Hwy 12. East entrance: At Haywood Dr. and N. Wingra Dr. / S. Mills St., near St. Mary’s Hospital. 
    Bus Route: #19 WB from University & Park to Mohawk & Seminole. Walk north to McCaffrey Dr. Other routes that serve the UW Arboretum include: 3, 4, 7, 18, 44, 47, 58

    Hoyt Park
    Driving Directions: Take Regent St. west and continue on Regent past Madison West High School.
    Bus Route: #6 SB from N. Lake & State to Speedway & Highland. Walk west along Regent St.

    Other city parks with snowshoe trails include Garner Park, Warner Park and Knollwood Conservation Park.

    A Short Drive

    Lake Farm County Park/Capital Springs State Recreation Area
    Distance from Campus: approx. 20 minutes by car
    Driving Directions: Take Hwy 12 east and exit at Broadway/South Towne Dr. Head south on South Towne Dr. and turn left on Moorland Rd.
    Bus Route*: #13 WB from University & N Park. Transfer at South Transfer Point to #5 to exit at Moorland & Manor.
    *Note: This route takes approximately 1 hour

    Another county park with snowshoe trails is Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy in Middleton.

    State Parks

    Blue Mound State Park
    Distance from Campus: approx. 40 minutes by car
    Driving Directions: Take Hwy 18 west. Turn right onto County Hwy FN and left onto County Hwy ID. Turn right onto Mounds Rd. to enter the park.

    Devil's Lake State Park
    Distance from Campus: approx. 1 hour by car
    Driving Directions: Take Hwy 12 west. Turn right onto WI-59 east and follow signs into the park. Other popular state parks for snowshoeing include Kettle Moraine State Forest, Peninsula State Park and High Cliff State Park.

  • As always, dress for the weather! While snowshoeing, it is important to layer. Since it is a cold weather activity, layering with a wicking-base layer, a warm mid jacket, and a protective outer shell will provide the best coverage and warmth while also providing the ability to lose a layer if you become too warm. Insulated and water protected boots with a wool or synthetic sock to help manage foot moisture are highly recommended.

     

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