<p>They snowboard in California and I consider Tahoe to have beautiful weather. I can handle a winter just not 8 months of it.</p>
<p>It’s not that bad in Boulder.</p>
<p>Wisconsin in Madison—on Lake Mendota, beautiful in summer, 4 season sports</p>
<p>Northwestern University—on Lake Michigan, also beautiful in summer</p>
<p>Connecticut College—on Long Island Sound</p>
<p>This is a no brainer: UC Berkeley!!</p>
<p>Stunning campus
Nearly right on the water
Beatufiul hills in the back yard
One of the most beautiful cities in the world just a bridge away
Access to world-class national parks
Access to world-class wine country
Access to beaches
Access to skiing
Town ranges from posh to grungy – something for everone 
Mild weather
Best food in the country </p>
<p>Go Bears.</p>
<p>also, Indiana University in Bloomington, bucolic campus, Brown County, beautiful in fall</p>
<p>Williams College—Berkshire Mountains in Mass., just south of Beautiful Vermont</p>
<p>Wow I haven’t seen anyone use the word bucolic lately. Good word, nonetheless. It definitely describes IU well.</p>
<p>one more, U Wasington in Seattle on Lake Washington
city on Puget Sound, Mt. Rainer not too far, Cascade & Olympic Ranges</p>
<p>I am afraid many of those are too cold for me</p>
<p>Still one more: Southern Oregon University in Ashland
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: 783 annual performances of 11 productions
Britt Music Festivals: Summer jazz, classical, and rock concerts
Mt. Ashland Ski & Snowboard Resort: 1,150 vertical feet, 23 runs, and 4 chairlifts
Rogue, Klamath, and Illinois Rivers: World-class fishing and rafting
Crater Lake: The second-deepest lake in North America
Recreation: The Pacific Crest Trail, Mt. Ashland Ski & Snowboard Resort, and several lakes and rivers all within twenty miles of the Ashland campus </p>
<p>Sorry…I keep remembering scenic campuses I’ve visited</p>
<p>thanks zapfino I will look into those. I appreciate the explanations you provide rather than simply listing names of schools</p>
<p>The Northwest isn’t so cold, unless you head into the mountains</p>
<p>Remember, as they say in Minnesota, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing</p>
<p>You might try the South: Clemson University in S. Carolina—beautiful campus and surrounding area; it gets humid, but less so the more upland you go</p>
<p>My overall list:</p>
<p>University of Utah: Salt Lake City is in the midst of snow-covered mountains and a few hours away from spectacular desert scenery</p>
<p>Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff is an awesome place with some great scenery</p>
<p>University of Washington: All the benefits of a vibrant city center within walking distance, but with a distinct campus and spectacular surroundings</p>
<p>Colorado School of Mines: Mines is within easy reach of Denver but is also right next to beautiful, snowy mountains</p>
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<p>My S considered schools in Vermont and Minnesota, but became very concerned about the cold winters there, too. His ultimate choice? Colorado College (a private, New England style liberal arts college, not to be confused with UC Boulder). Good access to outdoor recreation was a major factor (as was academics). They follow an unusual “block plan” whereby you study only one subject at a time for 3.5 weeks, take a 4 day break, then move on to the next “block.” This schedule facilitates both academic field work and outdoor recreation. the school is selective, but not Ivy League super selective (admit rate about 30%, 75th percentile SATs about 1390 M+CR) .</p>
<p>We have family in Colorado and are pretty familiar with the climate. Yes, they get snow (thank goodness - skiing!) including early and late snow storms. But it is one of the sunniest states in the Union (300 days of sunshine in the Denver area, I believe). Generally (unless you are up in the mountains), we’re not talking Vermont or Minnesota cold.</p>
<p>What about UCSC</p>
<p>I love Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan as a great college town setting. Town and gown relations are excellent and there is always something interesting going on.</p>