Key takeaways
- Some of the best colleges for skiing and winter fun include Michigan Technological University, the University of Denver, and Dartmouth College.
- Cold-weather campuses come with built-in perks, like nearby slopes, snow festivals, and thriving outdoor clubs.
- Whether you like small towns or big cities, there’s a perfect snowy fit for every student.
- Schools in Michigan, Colorado, and New England regularly rank among the snowiest campuses in the U.S.
If you love snow days, ski trips, and hot chocolate between classes, this list is for you. These nine colleges offer more than just classes. They give you a full winter experience. Imagine studying for exams with a winter wonderland outside your window. You can easily spend winter hitting the slopes, building snowmen, or enjoying other winter activities.
Want to know which college is your perfect match for winter fun? Keep reading to see which campuses turn into the best spots for snow lovers each year.
1. Michigan Technological University
- Total Enrollment: 7,443
- State: Michigan
Why it’s great: Michigan Tech sits in one of the snowiest towns in the U.S., averaging about 220 inches of snow a year. Students go all out for the legendary Winter Carnival, featuring snow sculptures, broomball, and even human dog sled races.
The campus and surrounding Houghton area are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country adventures. Winter sports clubs are active year-round, giving students plenty of ways to enjoy the snow.
2. University of Denver
- Total Enrollment: 13,591
- State: Colorado
Why it’s great: Denver combines city life with quick access to some of the best skiing in the Rockies—Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail are all within a couple of hours. The DU annual Winter Carnival keeps the campus buzzing with ski trips and snow games.
For students who want academics and adventure, it’s easy to fit in weekend slopes or join a ski or snowboarding club on campus.
3. Dartmouth College
- Total Enrollment: 6,869
- State: New Hampshire
Why it’s great: Dartmouth embraces winter like no other Ivy League school. It’s famous Winter Carnival has been a tradition for over 100 years, complete with ice sculptures, ski races, and a festive small-town vibe right in Hanover. Students have access to nearby ski areas and trails for casual fun and competitive winter sports.
4. University at Buffalo
- Total Enrollment: 31,786
- State: New York
Why it’s great: Buffalo gets some of the snowiest winters in the country, making it a great place for anyone who loves the cold. Students can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Holiday Valley and Kissing Bridge within a couple of hours of campus.
The city also embraces winter with festivals, ice skating, and cozy cafes. It’s perfect for study breaks when it’s too snowy to head to class.
5. Middlebury College
- Total Enrollment: 2,817
- State: Vermont
Why it’s great: Middlebury owns its own ski area, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl. With pristine trails and an annual Winter Carnival, this Vermont gem is perfect for students who love snow days. Its snowy mountains and charming New England scenery make it a beautiful place to spend the winter.
6. University of Minnesota – Duluth
- Total Enrollment: 9,251
- State: Minnesota
Why it’s great: Duluth is a true winter city, averaging about 86 inches of snow a year. Spirit Mountain, just minutes from campus, offers skiing and snowboarding. Lake Superior also adds epic winter views for students to see. You can enjoy ice fishing trips, winter sports, and snowmobiling in the area.
7. Northern Arizona University
- Total Enrollment: 28,049
- State: Arizona
Why it’s great: Don’t let Arizona fool you. Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet and gets more than 100 inches of snow annually. Students can hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl or explore snow-dusted trails in the San Francisco Peaks. The city’s small-town vibe and cozy campus make it a hidden gem for winter lovers in the Southwest.
8. University of New Hampshire
- Total Enrollment: 13,615
- State: New Hampshire
Why it’s great: UNH students have access to major ski resorts like Loon and Sunday River, which are a couple of hours away. The Ski & Board Club organizes regular weekend trips, making it easy to balance classes with mountain time. UNH also hosts winter events and snow festivals, creating plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
9. Colorado College
- Total Enrollment: 2,059
- State: Colorado
Why it’s great: With its mountain-town setting, Colorado College gives students freedom to ski, snowshoe, and explore nearby slopes between classes. This campus has an active Outdoor Education program, giving students guided trips for winter hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. It’s the perfect mix of academics and alpine adventure.
10. Montana State University
- Total Enrollment: 17,141
- State: Montana
Why it’s great: Located in the adorable town of Bozeman, MSU offers its students amazing ski and snowboarding at Bridger Bowl—only 30 minutes away, or at Big Sky Resort which is less than an hour away. For snow lovers and adventurers, the town gets over 91 inches of snow annually so it’s ideal for winter sports of all kinds.
Find your perfect snowy campus
Whether you love skiing, snowball fights, or just the cozy vibe of a snowy campus, these schools have you covered. From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the peaks of Colorado, each of these colleges offers its own version of winter magic.
Ready to find your perfect cold-weather college? Try our FREE College Match tool to compare schools, costs, and locations. You can find out which college fits your dream snowy lifestyle.
