Originally Posted On: https://www.powder.com/ski-resorts/ski-trips-college-students

Try one of these five student-friendly ski resorts for an epic ski trip with your college friends.

The college ski vacation. It’s a universal experience among lifelong skiers that, for those among us who’ve graduated to the “real world,” often look back on fondly through rose-tinted glasses.

Was the snow actually good that one time at that one resort? Maybe. But that midnight walk through the resort village during a snowstorm because someone forgot to pay attention to the bus schedule was undoubtedly memorable and maybe, in retrospect, kind of fun. That's the best part of cutting loose after studying like a dog for several months: even when sh*t goes wrong, you'll have something to laugh about with your friends.

This category of ski trip adheres to a different set of parameters. If you’re a college student looking for a town to explore and ski during a vacation with your best buddies, the phrase “world-class lodging and amenities” is probably meaningless. A cheap place to crash, a few fun bars to check out (if the après scene is your jam), and deep snow are the only necessary ingredients for a good college ski trip. This probably goes without saying, but exquisite, complimentary body wash and room service aren’t part of that equation.

These are five of the best ski resorts for college students to visit.The college ski vacation. It’s a universal experience among lifelong skiers that, for those among us who’ve graduated to the “real world,” often look back on fondly through rose-tinted glasses.

Was the snow actually good that one time at that one resort? Maybe. But that midnight walk through the resort village during a snowstorm because someone forgot to pay attention to the bus schedule was undoubtedly memorable and maybe, in retrospect, kind of fun. That's the best part of cutting loose after studying like a dog for several months: even when sh*t goes wrong, you'll have something to laugh about with your friends.

This category of ski trip adheres to a different set of parameters. If you’re a college student looking for a town to explore and ski during a vacation with your best buddies, the phrase “world-class lodging and amenities” is probably meaningless. A cheap place to crash, a few fun bars to check out (if the après scene is your jam), and deep snow are the only necessary ingredients for a good college ski trip. This probably goes without saying, but exquisite, complimentary body wash and room service aren’t part of that equation.

These are five of the best ski resorts for college students to visit.

op-notch skiing and apres are both on offer at Whistler Blackcomb.

Photo: AscentXmedia/Getty Images

1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, is the king of superlatives. Top-notch skiing and après are both on offer. Slopeside, Whistler Blackcomb is as good, if not better, than it's cracked up to be. Deep snow is regularly on tap. Terrain that suits everyone from a beginner to a seasoned expert is available, meaning your whole crew will find something that piques their interest.

And don’t fret about getting burnt out by skiing the same runs all day. Whistler Blackcomb, which sprawls across two mountains, is utterly colossal. For pro spotting, hit Whistler’s Peak Express on a powder day. If you’re lucky, you might catch a famed throw-down on Air Jordan, an imposing line visible from the lift’s lower terminal.

Whistler Blackcomb does have some drawbacks, though. For one, it can get crowded. The whole world and a vast portion of Vancouver’s metro residents know it’s the place to be now, so lines, at least during the earlier portion of a powder day, can stack up. The other challenge is affordability, which is easier to navigate with a bit of pre-planning.

The Whistler Lodge Hostel offers relatively cheap stays in its shared rooms (there are women’s-only dorms available), and, thanks to the Epic Pass, Whistler Blackcomb’s lift tickets don’t have to burn a hole in your ski pants pocket. To throw some post-skiing dance moves, hit Garfinkel’s or Buffalo Bill’s. Of the ski resorts on this list, Whistler Blackcomb is the most party-friendly.

The snow is notourisly deep at Alta—on average, 548 inches of powder blanket the resort each season.

Photo: Alta Ski Area/Ikon Pass Media Assets

2. Alta Ski Area, Utah

Alta Ski Area, Utah, gets a lot of attention. The snow, the scene, the Frank, the bombs—you may have caught wind of these Little Cottonwood Canyon signifiers, and, if you’re wondering, yes, the rumors are true: the skiing is really, really good at Alta. And while the base area nightlife isn’t out of control, you’ll be able to score some post-ski pints at the Alta Peruvian Bar, known affectionately by locals as the “P-Dog.” For a midday energetic buzz, grab an Alta Bomb from the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge. This concoction features PBR and espresso—two liquid supplements favored by skiers the world over. Both the Mountain Collective and the Ikon Pass offer days at Alta.

To find a cheap place to rest your head, check out the Alta Lodge, which offers shared lodging. Crashing at an AirBnB in Salt Lake City is an option, too, but be wary of the drive through the canyon. When the snow starts to stack up, Highway 210, which provides access to Alta, often closes due to avalanche risk. The benefit of staying in Salt Lake City is that there’s much more to see and do once the ski day is over. But if skiing’s the primary goal of your trip—let’s be real, it probably is—stay at the base of Alta.

Winter Park is a large destination with 3,081-acres of skiable terrain, 28 lifts, and 171 named trails. Choose your own adventure.

Photo: Shutterstock/Jacob Boomsma