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Hamilton or Middlebury?

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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
Ok so I have somewhat of a chance of getting in to these schools, and I think i want to apply early decision to one. So far I really like them both, though Middlebury is only 2 hours from where I live and Hamilton is 5.

Which has better skiing, social life? Let me know anything.

For skiing, I know Middlebury is 2 hours from Stowe and about an hour from Killy and Sugarbush. Everyone has a hardon for their local Middlebury mountain, but if it's anything like Dartmouth's mountian (near where I live), their park is a 6 ft rail that looks like it was set up by an autistic bear.

Hamilton on the other hand is near Toggenburg, which looks like it has a pretty solid park scene. Not sure what other mountains its near. I have heard that the Hamilton area gets a ton of snow though, for being the East coast.

And again, I'm putting more into this decision than skiing, but this is the only place you can ask detailed questions like this. Also, feel free to throw in any non ski related things you've heard too.

Thanks!
Oct 13 2010 12:40AM
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-Dan
Posts: 7171 - Karma: 52,999
Sugarbush and Killy are going to be way better than CNY (central NY) for skiing. As for people, I never visited hamilton, but i didn't not enjoy myself while I was at middlebury for a visit.

That being said, Togg or Labrador mtn try. If you are down to park rat hardcore then its managable. But for other terrain it won't keep you entertained.
Oct 13 2010 2:50PM
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dwhite
Posts: 1499 - Karma: 32
I'm applying to Hamilton ED....

I haven't really looked into the ski scene, but my understanding is that Middlebury would be way better.

I went to both schools and I like Hamilton because its easier to get into, and i liked the vibe and campus waaaay more.
Oct 13 2010 5:53PM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Ha, I may be a little bias because I go here, but Midd is where its at. We have our own ski resort and we're more or less an hour away from Killington, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Okemo, and Pico. Everyone skis (like, literally everyone). J-term is essentially four straight weeks of partying and skiing, with some classes thrown in for good measure. We also host one stop of the MSP tour each year and possibly will be holding more premieres in the near future.

Socially, we have a dece party scene. There's lots of good drinking and there's always something going on. All parties are also open, so you can get in anywhere no matter whether you're a freshman or a senior. Also, since most students live on campus, there are a lot of college-owned houses that upperclassman get, so plenty of basement dance parties to fill your desires. That, and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all nights in which parties are generally happening.

Also, academically, I mean, Hamilton is 18 on US News and World Report. Midd is 4. I think the choice is clear there.




Oct 14 2010 7:32PM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Also, the Middlebury Snowbowl does have a great park, but there are more rails than Dartmouth's Skiway (I mean there are 2), but our mountain in general is much much better. For starters, we don't have a fucking road splitting the mountain in half. Also, we actually have semi difficult slopes, some cliffs, pretty awesome tree skiing (for a college resort), and like 4 chairs. The bowl kicks the skiway's ass.
Oct 14 2010 7:35PM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
*doesn't
Oct 14 2010 7:35PM
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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
sweet, thank you very much. which mountain do you usually ski? And I have a buddy who goes there so ideally i'll stop by some weekend after I apply and check out the party scene.

Hopefully I'll get in! I will let you know if I do.

Oct 16 2010 7:18PM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Hey, no worries man. I think this year I'm getting a pass to either Killy or Sugarbush (as well as the Midd snowbowl), but haven't quite decided yet. But yeah man, good luck for sure. And shoot me a pm when you find out on your application from the school.
Oct 17 2010 10:38AM
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naturday
Posts: 493 - Karma: 238
i went to Hamilton for a year. if your looking at it from purely a skiing stand point go to Middlebury, but overall school-wise i liked Hamilton better.
Oct 21 2010 10:48AM
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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
how come only for a year? what did you like more about hamilton?
thanks!
Oct 24 2010 11:08AM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 256
haha Middlebury is in the middle of nowhere but i would still go there
Oct 24 2010 11:30AM
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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
yea dude, had you asked me 6 months ago, i would have told you that i for sure wanted to go to Boston or somewhere in a city. After talking to my friends doing their freshman years right now though, it sounds like the kids in more rural schools are having way more fun than the kids who have to go out into boston every weekend and try not to get arrested. if you think about it, you're probably gonna spend the rest of your life going out to bars and stuff- why not do something different in college.

i did feel like there were way more hot girls at hamilton though haha..but i guess thats a poor basis for a college decision
Oct 24 2010 6:57PM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 256
yea man i see what youre saying but Middlebury is definately a wicked chill place, there ski shop is pretty cool (they let me bring my dog in) and have an all around good vibe, but boston is pretty cool too
Oct 24 2010 7:00PM
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ski_DC
Posts: 1347 - Karma: 58
check colby too, its an hour and 10 minutes from sugarloaf, hour and a half from saddleback, and 2 from sunday river, and its a great school academically.
Oct 24 2010 7:18PM
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omIV
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 306
Did you/will you apply ED at either place? Hamilton is a great school, I have a few friends there. Togg is fairly meh, and there isn't anything substantial nearby, but the park is okay. If you want a "real" (for EC) mountain, you'll be driving up to Gore or Whiteface. I can't speak for middlebury as a school, but I've heard good things.

I go to Dartmouth actually; the Skiway had zero features last year. I've been trying to organize a student-run park crew, but the skiway management is not receptive. Too expensive with grooming/liability.

Overall in terms of advice, I would say don't choose a cschool based on proximity to skiing. I mean if you're a skier than you need skiing to be available, but don't get tied up with the relative merits of which will be your home mountain. There is a lot to the college experience, especially at a small liberal arts school such as those you are considering; skiing will not define you. At least where I go, even for the varsity skiers/backcountry skiers/dudes who drive to Stowe every weekend, skiing is only a portion of what they do. Choose the college, and you'll find skiers/skiing to suit your needs.
Oct 26 2010 3:40PM
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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
I do like Dartmouth, but the problem is A) I probably won't get in and B) I've grown up half an hour from Hanover (in Meriden) actually..haha..so I'd like to go somewhere new for college. I'll still probably apply but I doubt I'll get in.

Thanks for the advice though I'll keep that in mind. As of now, I'm doing ED to Middlebury.
Oct 26 2010 8:43PM
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omIV
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 306
Ohh I'm not saying you should go to Dartmouth. Well you should, but that wasn't at all my point. I just meant more generally that the quality of skiing is A factor, not THE factor, to consider.
Oct 27 2010 2:26AM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Yeah Dartmouth is a really tight school. My girlfriend is a '13 there, and I applied ED but got rejected in the end. Still, no harsh feelings and the people are very very similar. Plus, you wouldn't believe the amount of kids here at Midd who have brothers or sisters that go to Dartmouth and vice versa. So, both places will give you similar people vibes.

I'm stoked to hear about the ED here though. It's a very fun school and we have a good time almost every weekend. The work is hard, but definitely manageable. And we do have some very attractive ladies. I mean, that and the Midd Kid Rap. Fuck yea.

Oct 27 2010 2:53AM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 256
ya but you could easily make the 25 minute hike to whaleback which has a pretty good park or 45 minutes to killington which is not bad at all
Oct 27 2010 9:15PM
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phishfood
Posts: 2542 - Karma: 298
Right- I definitely am considering a lot more than the skiing. If skiing was the only factor, I'd already have my ED in for CU boulder.
This is just the only place I can ask in detail about the skiing and parks; I got basketball player tourguides for like 3 tours... I couldn't believe it..
I'm also trying to be stoked about all the schools I'm applying to and not get too attached to one. My brother went to UNH (my safety) and I'd be happy going there as well, especially cause its so cheap. I have two older friends who didn't get into Ivy Leage School Whatever and still aren't over it...not tryin to end up like that.

Thanks for the advice everyone- if anyone is applying to similar schools or whatever, feel free to post!
Oct 27 2010 11:19PM
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dwhite
Posts: 1499 - Karma: 32
Good luck on the ED man!

I'm just finishing up my common app for mine. It feels good to be almost done, but kinda sucks because once i send it in, all i can do is wait and hope for the best.
Oct 27 2010 11:44PM
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omIV
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 306
Apps, like anything else in life, are a crap shoot. Somehow I wasn't selected to be on the student ski patrol at my school despite having skied since I was 3 and being an EMT-B. Life goes on.
Oct 28 2010 3:52PM
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