Taos Snowboard Rentals

• Best Taos Ski Valley shop: the 5-star rated Cottam’s Taos Ski Valley, located in the base village just steps from the lifts.
• Best downtown Taos shop: 5-star rated Cottam’s Downtown Taos.

Yes, snowboarders are welcome at Taos with a snowboard-friendly culture.  Taos opened to snowboarders in 2008 thanks in part to the Free Taos movement, after many decades of a ski-only policy.

Snowboarders love Taos’ high elevation, challenging backcountry bowls and Kachina Peak terrain, plentiful powder days, and large amount of terrain catering to all levels of riders.

Taos definitely has some advanced terrain, but half of the runs at Taos Ski Valley are also rated beginner/intermediate.  There are also a handful of green trails higher up on the mountain with spectacular views of the peaks surrounding the resort.  The main base area's Lift 1 provides access to some great beginner runs.

Snowboard recommendations for Taos depend on your skill level and the specific terrain you plan to ride. Taos offers a large amount of varied terrain, from groomed runs to the renowned backcountry bowls. Here are some general recommendations:

An all-mountain snowboard is a versatile choice and suitable for most conditions at Taos Resort. It can handle groomed runs, powder, and even terrain parks. This is a good option for intermediate to advanced riders looking to explore a variety of terrain.

If you're visiting Taos during a time when there's fresh powder, consider a powder-specific snowboard. These boards are wider and will allow you to float better in deep snow, enhancing your experience in the backcountry and off-piste areas.

Freeride snowboards are designed for off-piste and ungroomed terrain. If you're an advanced rider seeking to explore Taos's challenging backcountry, a freeride board may be your best choice.

Regardless of the type of snowboard, make sure to choose the right size based on your weight and riding style. Rental shop staff can help you with sizing recommendations.

Taos, Colorado, offers many options for snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Here are some of the best places to snowboard at Taos:

Beginner Areas:

Bambi Glade is a beginner-friendly area with gentle slopes and well-groomed runs. It's perfect for those new to the sport.

Porcupine is a wide and gently sloping run ideal for beginners. It's located near the base area and offers a chill environment for learning and improving skills.

Strawberry Hill is a dedicated learning area designed for beginners with gradual slopes, magic carpets, and patient instructors. 

Intermediate/Advanced Areas:

West Basin Ridge has a mix of intermediate and advanced terrain with opportunities to explore tree runs, groomed slopes, and backcountry ungroomed areas. It's a versatile area for riders of varying skills.

Highline Ridge offers advanced riders a blend of groomed and ungroomed, natural terrain.  It’s a great place to look for powder stashes when the other areas of the resort have been skied over.

Al's Run is one of the most famous expert-level trails at Taos. Its steep pitches and moguls attract advanced snowboarders and skiers.

Kachina Peak, accessible via a chairlift or uphill hike, has some of the most advanced and expert terrain at the resort.  Its practically perpetual powder, chutes, bowls, and steep descents make it a favorite among advanced riders.

Hunziker Bowl is on the mountain’s north side and provides advanced and expert riders with more challenging terrain, moguls, and tree runs. It’s a less visited area of the mountain, offering more solitude and potential for powder.

You can easily find snowboard rentals near you in Taos on TripOutside.  We feature the absolute best snowboard rental shops in Taos Ski Valley and downtown Taos and connect you directly to the shop to book online.  

Taos’s snowboard rental packages typically include a snowboard, bindings, and boots. Helmets and other safety gear are available as optional add-ons. 

On average, you can expect to pay around $40-50 per day for standard/sport snowboard rental packages at Taos, which typically include a snowboard, bindings, and boots.  However, costs can vary depending on type of equipment, duration, holiday dates and add-ons.

At Taos, demo snowboard rentals typically offer the latest and high-performance models, allowing you to try out cutting-edge equipment. Performance rentals are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, providing quality gear. Sport, or standard, rentals are designed for beginners and casual riders, offering reliable equipment to get you started. The main difference is the level of technology and performance offered in each category.

The duration of a snowboard rental fitting at Taos can vary but typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Rental shop staff will assess your needs, help you select the right equipment, and make necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Arriving early in the morning or picking up the night before can help minimize wait times, especially during peak periods.

It’s highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak ski season. Booking online guarantees availability and helps you skip the lines when you arrive.

You’ll find rental shops both slopeside at Taos Ski Valley and in the town of Taos. Slopeside rentals offer ultimate convenience for quick swaps, while town shops sometimes offer lower prices and flexible pickup.

Yes! Some Taos shops offer snowboard clothing rentals like jackets, pants, gloves, and goggles in addition to ski and snowboard gear.

Most shops in Taos do not rent racks. If you’re picking up gear in town, plan to transport it inside your vehicle. Renting an SUV or vehicle with fold-down seats is the best option.