I will admit that I have not read all 4 previous pages of answers to your post. So I may repeat what others have said. Have you thought about University of Utah or Utah State? Cannot get closer to great skiing. Centrally located for backpacking and biking. Mountains and deserts both. Only missing ingredient is coastal areas. Contrary to popular thought, non-Mormans will do just fine in Utah if you stay open minded. I went to grad school in Logan Utah for four years and would have remained if I could have found a job. Salt Lake City is even more diverse - about 50% Mormon. I personally think Utah communities are very friendly if you make some effort to understand the prevailing social beliefs.