Colleges for Skiers and Snowboarders: 12 Schools Near the Slopes

For students who can’t wait for the first snowfall, choosing a college near the mountains means you’ll never be far from powder days. From the Rockies to New England, there are plenty of universities where academics and alpine adventures go hand in hand.

Here are 12 schools that offer easy access to skiing and snowboarding:

1. University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) – Boulder, CO

Close to Eldora and within driving distance of Colorado’s world-famous resorts like Breckenridge and Vail. University of Colorado Boulder boasts a long-standing, highly successful varsity ski program, competing in the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (RMISA) as part of NCAA athletics. The Buffs are a dominant force, having secured 20+ NCAA team championships, most recently in 2024. Website

2. University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT

With the Wasatch Range in its backyard, students have access to “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” Home to one of the nation's top ski programs, Utah fields a varsity ski team that has won four consecutive NCAA team titles (including 2025), along with multiple individual champions. Website

3. Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH

Dartmouth Skiway is just 20 minutes from campus, and skiing is part of the school’s tradition. Dartmouth College operates a highly competitive varsity ski team for both alpine and Nordic disciplines, participating in the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA). Dartmouth has a storied legacy with representation in numerous Olympic events. Website

4. Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT

Home to the Middlebury Snow Bowl, giving students their own mountain to ski on. Website

Middlebury Snow Bowl

5. University of Vermont (UVM) – Burlington, VT

Minutes from Stowe and Sugarbush, UVM is a skier’s dream. Website

6. Montana State University – Bozeman, MT

Close to Big Sky Resort, with backcountry skiing opportunities in the Bridger Range. Website

7. Western Colorado University – Gunnison, CO

Just 30 minutes from Crested Butte Mountain Resort, one of Colorado’s most iconic ski towns. Website

8. Plymouth State University – Plymouth, NH

Surrounded by New Hampshire’s White Mountains, with easy access to Loon and Cannon Mountain. Website

9. University of Denver – Denver, CO

Students enjoy weekend trips to Colorado’s premier ski resorts with campus ski buses. Website

10. Colby College – Waterville, ME

Access to Sugarloaf and Sunday River for some of the best skiing in New England. Website

11. University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe – Incline Village, NV

Lake Tahoe living means world-class skiing and snowboarding just minutes away. Website

Heavenly Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe

12. Whitman College – Walla Walla, WA

Near the Blue Mountains, offering smaller but uncrowded ski areas. Website