<p>I think anyone choosing between these two schools needs to recognize that weather isn't a deciding factor. It is a bit silly to bring up snow removal abilities as all communities (Ithaca, Cambridge, etc.) that receive a lot of snow are set up for excellent snow removal so their citizens can get to work and people can move around. </p>
<p>There is a clear difference in campus life, but one is not "better" than the other. It depends on what type of undergraduate experience a student seeks in terms of life beyond academics. Harvard has the benefits of being in a big city. Cornell, on the other hand has a magnificent campus, with natural beauty in all sections of its large campus and offers varied outdoor activities (e.g., skiing and snowboarding is about 1/2 hour a way - can be taken as P.E. classes). Life revolves around the many activities, concerts, sports, and social events on campus and in the City of Ithaca (which is a city, albeit small) which has a "college town" atmosphere. </p>
<p>And if prestige is the important factor for the undergraduate experience then one should go to Harvard.</p>