Hey y'all I'm in a paramedic school right now and looking at schools out west and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the quality of education at these schools and their proximity to good climbing? Any recommendations are more than welcome!

Western Colorado college
Cmc

Thanks guys, hope ya don't mind a non climbing specific thread.

I just graduated from Western State College now known as Western State Colorado University. I assume if you are in medic school you are interested in Biology. I found the Bio program at Western to be very good. Almost all of the professors have their doctorate and most of the upper division classes are very thorough. I was very happy with my education at Western and the incredible climbing nearby.

University of California, Boulder

www.mountainproject.com/v/best-college-for-climbing/10672693>>>

second for Western State. Good school, amazing rock. Black Canyon in your back yard....

University of Montana has been the start of some of the finest alpinists; Alex Lowe and Kelly Cordes etc.

Consider it. Pretty good climbing and not as pricey as Colorado Universities

Edit: Although I just looked at Western State and damn it looks good!

I was also a Bio major at Western State. The professors were awesome and there are a lot of opportunities at a smaller school. Plus, it's a awesome community and a great place to climb AND ski (Crested Butte + backcountry). Check out the Gunnison Rock book.

I had a cousin who graduated from there in Biology. It seems she was always finding opportunities for field biology around the country. She was born and raised in Crested Butte so I don't know if that was the University or her own desire to get some time away. She seemed to really thrive at that school.

You will probably be in the coldest place in Colorado which is great in the summer but can shorten your climbing season. You are in reasonable striking distance of Grand Junction and S. Utah to extend your climbing season. Crested Butte is possibly the best place in the state for BC skiing.

My uncle also graduated from Western State but that was chemistry and that was back in the 60s so not much relevance there. He never really used his degree but if you need anything blown up in Crested Butte ( legally ), I can get you in contact.

Not sure about med related stuff, but I am starting my masters at University of Nevada Reno this fall. It is about 25 minutes from lots of great sierra granite (donner pass)...and within 2 hours there is an unclimbable amount of rock (Lovers Leap, Truckee River Canyon, loads more). Yosemite is 2.5 hours away, as is the high sierra (Incredible hulk, etc.) Mountain biking is good. Tahoe is fun, lots of good skiing. Reno itself doesnt seem as bad as it is stereotypically painted, however you could live in Truckee or North Tahoe and commute as well. Worth considering. Good luck with your choice

Montana State University in Bozeman, MT

minutes from tons of rock climbing

14 miles to some of the best ice climbing around

16 miles to Bridger Bowl if you like the pow.

Wow. Thank for the great info guys. Really appreciate all the replies! Hope to get out there soon to visit :D

And western looks awesome. They said they could hook me up w there search and rescue team and might be able to hook me up with ALS Sar ;) which would be the dream.

Glad to hear there are some good schools acadademic and climbing wise out there.

Bozeman also looks very appealing. Thanks for the tip on that one!