List of 10 College Towns for Snow Bunnies

Do you dream of grabbing your winter gear and heading to the slopes? Do you live for the sight of a mountain covered in fresh snow? These college towns offer a range of educational options with a side o

Do you dream of grabbing your winter gear and heading to the slopes? Do you live for the sight of a mountain covered in fresh snow? These college towns offer a range of educational options with a side of winter recreation.

Winter Wonderland College Towns

Forget the beach--students in these college towns are more likely to be found relaxing by the fire and sipping hot chocolate while they study. These cold-weather destinations appeal to the bundled-up crowd.

1. Denver, CO This college town is a short drive from Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail, and other top skiing destinations. Shopping enthusiasts can even get their retail therapy fix in the boutique shops of these tourist towns.

1. Burlington, VT Winter weather is the norm for this college town. The home of the University of Vermont, Burlington is nestled on Lake Champlain. College students balance out the winter weather activity with trips to the Ben & Jerry's headquarters in nearby Stowe, VT.

1. Anchorage, AK If you're going for winter weather, why not go all the way? Anchorage hosts sled dog races like the Iditarod, and keeps the party going through most of February and March. Nordic and telemark skiing are practically official pastimes.

1. Salt Lake City, UT Students of the University of Utah and other local schools enjoy the cold in this college town, which was the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The college town is close to Snowbird, a world-class ski resort that sees 500 inches of snow every year.

1. Spokane, WA This college town is home to private universities Gonzaga and Whitworth. Through the winter, students enjoy skiing and snowboarding in five nearby ski resorts, or just enjoying the snowfall on Mount Spokane.

1. Boise, ID Students in this cold-weather college town make day trips to McCall, Idaho to watch the snow sculptures go up at the 40-year-old Winter Carnival. Snowshoe golf, parades, and dances keep the party going through the 10-day event.

1. Boone, NC Students of Appalachian State University are drawn to the outdoors life in this sleepy college town. The Appalachian Trail provides a challenge to hikers, and mountain bikers bundle up to tackle the 18-Mile Ride.

1. Orono, ME What does this sleepy college town offer its students? Maine's largest university, for one. Students of the University of Maine enjoy rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and Winter Carnival week.

1. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN For a wintery college town with the soul of a metropolis, the Twin Cities fit the bill. The University of Minnesota maintains large campuses in each city. Students watch or participate in the U.S. pond hockey championships on Lake Calhoun.

1. Erie, PA This college town, on the shore of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home to Edinboro University and lake-effect snow. Job opportunities and day-trips are a short drive away in Cleveland, Buffalo, and Rochester.

These cold-weather colleges don't just offer the possibility of snow days. In some schools, you can study the climate you love. Research individual campuses to find courses tailored to northern environments, sports, and living.