What if you could ski and get your degree? If you crave the cold and love to spend your free time cutting pow - we have the list for you! Check out this diverse list of colleges across the US varying in location, size and snowfall!
The area around Wellesley touts some of the best powder in the state of Massachusetts. Though they are only 12 miles from ski and snowboard access, Babson College students organize ski trips all over the East Coast.
Dartmouth students and varsity ski athletes can “dart” over to Dartmouth Skiway, located only 15 minutes from campus to hit the slopes.
The Middlebury SnowBowl is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Located 20 minutes from campus, this is a major draw for the student body and the public with endless winter activities.
Head on over to Bridger Bowl Ski Area, only 20 minutes from campus. This well-renowned ski resort is a favorite to the students and locals. MSU is said to be the “perfect balance to ski and get your degree!”
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may not be super mountainous, but the immense snowfall makes it perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Whether you want to join their Alpine Ski Team, be a part of their Nordic Ski Club, or take advantage of 96 miles of cross country ski trails, there are plenty of options.
The Ski Cabin on Mount Hood is owned and operated by Reed College. Students, faculty and staff, and alumni love the accessibility to downhill and cross-country skiing, and sledding only 15 minutes from campus.
Although a bit farther from campus, the ski culture is strong at Union. The proximity to the Adirondack Mountains and 46 “Majestic High Peaks” draw Union College students to the snow.
A quick 20 minute trip to Kincaid Park will not only give you top-notch skiing, but views of Cook Inlet from the top of a mountain!
UC-Boulder loves skiing so much, they even have a campus bus and shuttle program to local ski resorts. There are a ton of recreational groups catering to every level and type of skiing - you can even take lessons!
This self-proclaimed “outdoorsy college” takes its curriculum and activities into the great outdoors. Students can access numerous ski and snowboarding resorts and have access to top level winter sport training facilities.
Proximity to Lake Tahoe gives students at University of Nevada at Reno prime skiing opportunities at eight popular resorts. With a recently reinstated Division I skiing program, skiing is growing in popularity amongst the student body.
Less than 6 miles to popular Bristol Mountain, University of Rochester students that love to ski and snowboard have plenty of opportunities to do just that. Rochester’s historically heavy snowfall provides a long winter weather season potentially from early November through late April.
Just 30 miles from world-class ski resorts, University of Utah students can secure passes and transportation to hit the slopes. With a top-ranked collegiate alpine skiing team, and facilities to train Olympic athletes, U of U is a skiers mecca.
Vermont is considered the top East Coast destination with the likes of Killington, Stowe, and Okemo. One of the top-ranked “ski colleges”, University of Vermont is only 35 minutes from Bolton Valley, which allows for day and night time skiing.
If you are not looking for snow and ice all the time, here is an option for you. Blacksburg is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, which gives ample skiing opportunities in the deep winter months. Virginia Tech recently started a (recreational) Alpine Ski Team to accommodate all of the student interest.
There is truly something at these colleges for all snow lovers. From novice or first-time skiers or snowboarders, to the most advanced and experienced - you can learn, grow, experience and explore on the slopes. If you truly can’t get enough, you can even make a career out of it while taking advantage of academic programs offered at these schools such as ski industry business, alpine operations, or winter sports management!