Who could have thought that a skier like you can earn your college scholarship by doing just what you love to do? Yes, skiing! Make skiing more than just a hobby. It can help you get through college and at the same time enjoy your favorite sport. Sell yourself to coaches out there by participating in various skiing tournaments. Then make yourself a portfolio containing your best achievements as an upcoming skier. Or better yet, hire an agent to get the best school and scholarship for you.

Skiing Scholarships

There are a lot of organizations and institutions that offer skiing scholarships. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has 3 different types of scholarship. One is called the Full-Ride, which covers the whole course tuition fee, books and other miscellaneous fees. Second, the Partial Scholarships, wherein the fund is divided amongst a number of players/scholars. Lastly, the Walk-Ons, wherein an applicant undergoes a tryout for a certain team. If he/she gets accepted, the scholarship worth will be based upon his/her skills and potential as a skier.

Another group that offers skiing scholarship for 20 years already is the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA) in Alaska. They actively promote cross-country skiing as a healthy, leisurely activity for everybody, in groups and individuals, old and young alike.

NSAA awards scholarships to qualified residents and students in Alaska who are in senior high school or in college, with a 2.7 GPA or higher, who are also committed to cross-country skiing and the community, has exceptional skills and/or talents not just in skiing but also in the academics as well and has been an NSAA individual or family member for the last 2 years. This year, they will be giving out a $1,500 worth of scholarship to a deserving student.

Also, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), in their pursuit to support the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding athletes, also provides scholarships.

USSA has a tuition assistance program to qualified Team A, B or C, U.S. Ski team or U.S. Snowboarding team members, who has a good credit record with the USSA, whose annual income should not be greater than $50,000, enrolled in a duly authorized college or university and has a 2.0 GPA or higher.

USSA also has an in-state tuition program in cooperation with the University of Utah for those athletes/students who move to Utah. This program is being extended to them so that they would not wait for a year anymore to get in-state tuition fee rates.

The Westminster College/USSA Tuition Grant Program, on the other hand, is a joint project of USSA and Westminster College in Salt Lake City to aid athletes in their educational endeavors while they continue to train and compete in their respective athletic fields of skiing and/or snowboarding. Applicants to this program shall have the opportunity to have their tuition fees be paid in full.

The Best Schools for Skiers

Aside from being a skiing sensation, you should not also miss out on a great education. There are schools cut out for skiers who want to have not just a great skiing training and experience but also the best college education. Remember, you are not in school just to ski.

University of Colorado is the fifth among the NCAA's top list of schools having the best skiing grounds and facilities, perfect for either Alpine or Nordic skiers, and one of the best education too. In this university, all classes do not start until 11:00 a.m. to allow ski training which is usually held between 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Sports buffs would enjoy this campus because it is enriched with athletic events all year round, and as well as artistic events. There are also a lot of museums, galleries and other facilities around for students to enjoy and experience. Abundant with the blessings of nature, University of Colorado is also a haven for nature lovers for it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes.

Next in line is the University of Denver, which has seen the greatest Olympians and Hall of Fame members there is, and has produced not just the best skiers but the brightest as well.

Last but not the least, is Bates College, whose skiing program is considered to be the top of the crop. It is clearly evident for they remain to be on the country's top 20 during the last 5 years. Bates College is considered to be New England's pride when it comes to ski training competitions and facilities, and competitive education.

Ski down the slopes of a college education and slide up your way to success now.