FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I make a reservation at Cottam's Ski Shops?
What are your hours of operation?
What length of ski/snowboard should I rent?
What do you mean by "goofy or regular" (left/right foot forward)?
If we get in early can we pick up our equipment the night before?
Can I receive service and/or exchange equipment with Cottam's locations that I didn't rent from?
Can I pick-up equipment at your Santa Fe location, and return it to your Taos location?
Do you offer free overnight ski storage?
What if I pay for four days of skiing but I decide to snowboard the last two?
Our lift tickets are for four out of five days. Can we take a day off in the middle?
What happens if I return my skis early?
I want to specifically reserve K2 Recons. Can I do that?
If I don't like my equipment, can I exchange it?
I have a size 16 shoe. Can you accommodate me?
We are beginners, so we don't really need fancy shaped skis, right?
How do those really short skis work? Can my kid try them out?
Do you rent helmets?
Do you rent clothing?
Do you sell your rental equipment?
Can I get my own skis/snowboard serviced and tuned at Cottam's?

How do I make a reservation at Cottam's Ski Shops ?
Simply click on either the RESERVATIONS tab or call us toll free at (800) 322-8267. Reservations for equipment can be made for any Cottam's location right here on this website!

What are your hours of operation?
Yes, you can make your reservations online 24hours a day. Our locations are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) -- 7 days a week. Please phone, fax, email, or use our online reservation system 24hrs prior to your desired rental pick-up date.

What length of ski/snowboard should I rent?
Your height, weight, and skier ability determine your length of equipment. The longer the ski/board the more stability, the shorter the ski/board the more maneuverability. If you are unsure of your desired equipment length, please feel free to contact Cottam's at (800) 322-8267 and we will be more than happy to consult you.
What do you mean by "goofy or regular" (left/right foot forward)?
This is an old surfing term and applies to the stance on a snowboard. If you prefer your left foot in front of your right foot you are regular. If you prefer your right foot in front you are goofy. If you are not sure try running across a wood floor in your socks, whichever foot you like to have in front when you stop to slide is the foot you should have in front to snowboard. Having this information when you make a reservation will save you enormous time in our shops, allowing us to set the bindings on the board before you arrive.

If we get in early can we pick up our equipment the night before?
Yes, you're welcome to pick-up your equipment the day before your scheduled pick-up date as long as it's after 2:00 p.m. During holiday seasons, early pick-up is dependent upon availability.

Can I receive service and/or exchange equipment with Cottam's locations that I didn't rent from?
Yes, Cottam's services are interchangeable between all four locations. Feel free to visit any of our locations to resolve any questions or rental needs. We will be more than happy to help make your ski vacation a success.

Can I pick-up equipment at your Santa Fe location, and return it to your Taos location?
Yes, Cottam's services are interchangeable between all four locations. Upon rental, it is important to inform the cashier of your return location if different than your pick-up location.

Do you offer free overnight ski storage?
Yes, all of our renters are entitled to FREE overnight ski storage on the slopes of Taos Ski Valley and/or Angel Fire regardless of which location equipment is initially rented from. Unfortunately the shops do not have the space to store boots or shoes.

What if I pay for four days of skiing but I decide to snowboard the last two?
No problem! Bring in your equipment and we'll set you up on a snowboard and adjust your reservation accordingly.

Our lift tickets are for four out of five days. Can we take a day off in the middle?
Yes. You are welcome to leave your equipment in our overnight ski storage the day you're not skiing to alleviate being charged for that day. Simply return to the shop when you're ready to ski again, and take them back on the slopes!

What happens if I return my skis early?
You will be granted in-store credit or ski rental compensation for your next visit. However, in the interest of time, please rent the equipment for the number of days you are certain to use it.

I want to specifically reserve K2 Recons. Can I do that?
Yes. It is important that you make a note of your desired ski model in the "Additional Information" field when filling-out the online reservation form. You can also contact Cottam's toll free at (800) 322-8267 to specify a specific "demo" ski. Unfortunately, we cannot always guarantee that every location will be equipped with your desired demo, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Remember, as a demo package renter, you are welcome to try an unlimited variety of models throughout your visit.

If I don't like my equipment, can I exchange it?
Absolutely! Please visit any of our locations to find equipment that works best for you.

I have a size 16 shoe. Can you accommodate me?
Yes, but don't risk going to our shop without an advance reservation. Any shoe size over 13 needs prior notice because we have a very limited quantity available.

We are beginners, so we don't really need fancy shaped skis, right?
Shaped skis are for everyone regardless of ability. Because of the contour of the skis, wide at the ends, thin in the middle, the ski turns with less effort. Less effort translates into less fatigue and quite possibly more fun! Not sure? Ask your friends, ask your neighbors, ask a ski school representative, then click on our reservation page and have a pair set aside for you!

How do those really short skis work? Can my kid try them out?
These skis are called "snowblades". They're quick, easy to learn, good for tricks, and lots of fun. Kids and adults love them!

Do you rent helmets?
Yes, we carry a limited supply in all our shops including sizes for juniors. Our helmet rental fee is $8/day.

Do you rent clothing?
Cottam's features bibs and jackets for children and adults at all locations. Yes, we carry a limited supply in all our shops including sizes for juniors. Our helmet rental fee is $8/day.

Do you sell your rental equipment?
Yes, all items and equipment are for sale at reasonable prices throughout the season. We also offer a rent-to-buy purchase program, in which your rental will be deducted from the purchase price.

Can I get my own skis/snowboard serviced and tuned at Cottam's?
Yes, Cottam's has a full service tune and repair shop. We can bring your skis/board back to life. Starting with a base resurfacing from our Montana P-tex master, all the way to the finish grind from our Wintersteiger SB-2, your equipment will respond like they did the first day you rode them. From the simple wax to the complex surgery involved in an edge replacement, we can handle it.