I'm not questioning the value of a decent education.  My philosophy is simply that your life needs a healthy balance between work and play.  Regardless of your age, 16, 21, 35, 67, life is much more fulfilling if you can get a little of both.
As for college choices, their are plenty of decent schools within reasonable distance of skiing.
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Smaller Sig = Claustrophobia
Larger Sig = Endless Void