The Best West Coast Colleges for Skiers

 

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Just an hour and a half from the deepest snow in the lower 48, Western Washington University ain’t a bad place to get some studying in, either. PHOTO: WWU

Located on the shores of Puget Sound, Bellingham's Western Washington University is an ideal place to soak up all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. An hour and a half east is Mount Baker Ski Area, home to the largest average snowfall in the lower 48 coming in at 641 inches a year.

WWU students in the late '90s were treated to 1,140 inches at Baker in 1998-99, marking the world's greatest snowfall recorded in a season.

If riding the lift at Mount Baker isn't your style, the backcountry opportunities surrounding Western Washington are endless, and finding someone to tour with is easier than finding a bearded bartender at a Bellingham microbrewery. Canada is also less than an hour's drive from campus, putting Whistler and other amazing B.C. mountains within your reach for long weekends or spring break trips.

Arguably known for its rivers more than its skiing, Western Washington is also home to many dedicated whitewater kayakers, so come spring melt, you might just find yourself swapping ski boots for neoprene booties to keep the PNW fun going year round.