College

“I am going through the college application process and was wondering what you thought the most outdoor minded school is. The number one school on my list is Dartmouth College, a school in Hanover, NH, with the AT skirting campus. DC also started the Dartmouth Outing Club a group many of you have surely heard of which is one of the largest Outdoor clubs in America and is responsible for maintaining much of the AT in NH.”

“Outdoor minded school? I would say that most land grant Universities would lay claim to this. What do you plan to major in? Isn't that an important factor?”

“When you say outdoor minded, do you mean with nearby access to outdoor recreation, or with programs that are outdoor oriented?

Univ of California at Stanislaus, Turlock California, is a typical state support school in CA. However, it is about 2 hours from Yosemite, for XC skiing in the winter, rock climbing when the sun is out, and day hikes when the snow is gone.

Boise State University, Boise Idaho: Good outdoor ed program (where I teach a couple of classes), $199 season passes at Bogus Basin ski area, 3 hours from Stanley and Sun Valley, and the Sawtooths, good mountain biking in the hills, road biking clubs abound, and quite a few high tech companies, for jobs after college.

Central WA University: close to the Stuart Range, the Cascades at Snoqualmie Pass, several ski areas on Snoqualmie Pass.

U of WA: close to the Olympic Range, the Cascades at Snoqualmie Pass of Stevens Pass, the North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, Mt. St Helens, ski areas in the passes, cross country skiing in any of the ranges listed, and a huge population of like minded outdoorsy people.

Isn't there a college in the Tahoe/ Reno area? That would be near nice mountains.”

“Haverd”

“Appalacian State University Boone,NC

Western Carolina University Cullowhee,NC”

“Princton has a great outdoor club.”

“University of Anchorage has all of them beat by a mile.

(And I don't think Tea is getting into Haverd.)”

“If you want to be an engineer, go to Michigan Tech. It's right in the middle of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Limitless hiking in near wilderness conditions. Short plane trip to Isle Royale.”

“Northland College in Ashland, WI, on Lake Superior. Home to Sigurd Olson Institute and strong environmental emphasis. Its idea of college sports is weekend kayaking trips on nearby whitewater rivers or sea kayaking on Gitchee Gumee, or any of the landbased sports such as bping, xc skiing, etc.

Or my graduate alma mater, Northern Michigan University in Marquette, also on Lake Superior, with Pictured Rocks to the east, Porkies to the west, Isle Royale to the north. A gazillion acres of national, state, and corporate forest lands to explore afoot, afloat, or on a mtn. bike. Downhill and xc skiing in the city limits. Rock climbing nearby in summer, ice climbing in winter. Wreck diving over in Munising. More outdoor options than you can shake a hiking stick at.

Outdoor rec/education degree available, along with wildlife biology if you want your major connected to your fun. Also home to U.S. Olympic Education Center, with nearby luge, ski jumping, biathlon facilities.”

“Fresno State University is an hour and a half from Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Numerous Wilderness Areas. Two hours from the Coast, and the Coast Range and many hiking trails. 20 minutes from various River trails. I love it here.”

“Montana State, Montana, University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University, Humbolt State,Ca.”

“Yeah, Humbolt for some real adventure....”

“University of Montana--Bob Marshall & Rattlesnake Wilderness, 2 ski areas (in town), Glacier NP, ...etc, etc..”

“UF!

you'll be outside ALL OF THE TIME, when you see what the girls wear in that FLORIDA HEAT!”

“the state university of new york (SUNY) college of environmental science and forestry (that's a mouthful). not only are they an environmentally aware school, but by attending you can be a member of the syracuse university outing club (one of the best in the nation) and/or a member of the bob marshall club (ESF's smaller outing club). an additional bonus is that the adirondacks, catskills, green mountains, and the allegheny national forest are all within a 3 to 4 hour drive from syracuse. gotta love that. ~)”

“Dartmouth also has a great winter sports and the school owns ski facilities.”

“Princeton - I ran into a freshmen orientation group on the Long Trail this year.

Dartmouth - my x's brother went there, and did a slew of outdoor activities.”