If you are just leaving the nest or you realized that getting a higher education is the way to go, be sure to pick one of the cities that is nearby to these killer shred locations.

University of Utah It really doesn’t get better than SLC with a multitude of BC lines and resort options. Getting an education never sounded so good. Location: Salt Lake City, UT Cost of Living: 2 bedroom approx. $600 - $700 Distance to the Lift: 35 minutes to 7 different resorts & Backcountry Access Annual Snowfall: 400-500 inches Party Scene: House parties abound or hit up the Downtown scene for some great bars Good Beer: Red Rock Brewery, The Bayou, Squatters Brewery Coffee: Nostalgia’s

Montana State University This is a quaint town with a history for developing some of the best talent in the ski world. Drop into some classes and some killer times. Location: Bozeman, Montana Cost of Living: 2 bedroom approx. $600 - $700 Distance to the Lift: 20 minutes Annual Snowfall: 350 inches Party Scene: Downtown has 10 bars that are killer and Bridger Bowl Grizzly Ridge is the shit Good Beer: The Pour House Coffee: Rocky Mountain Roasters

University of Nevada/Reno Don’t want to live in a ski town? This is the perfect spot to get the best of two wild worlds. Location: Reno, NV Cost of Living: 2 bedroom approx. $625-$750 Distance to the Lift: 45 minutes Annual Snowfall: 450 inches Party Scene: State Line Good Beer: Everywhere Coffee: Walden’s Coffee Shop

Colorado University Rad town, killer people, & lots to do! Boulder is home to tons of great skiers and of course Illegal Pete’s, the best after hours Mexican joint in the country. Location: Boulder, CO Cost of Living: 2 bedroom approx. $800 - $1000 Distance to the Lift: 2 Hours Annual Snowfall: 300 inches (Summit County) Party Scene: House parties are always going on and downtown is the place for 21+ Good Beer: The Foundry Coffee: Caffe Sole