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Students on the drumline cheer with excitement from their spot in the stands during a football game in the Mountaineer Bowl.
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From residence life to clubs, classes, campus events, and athletics, you’ll be part of a community full of energy and connection.

Life On Campus

Dorm Tour
Things to Do
Football Games
Rail Jam
APIC Luau

Escalante Dorm Tour

Ever wonder what a skier’s dorm actually looks like? Meet Stellan “Stelly” Lane, a Business Administration student and Mountain Sports Freeride Team athlete, as he shows you around his dorm.

Things to Do on Campus

Curious how students spend their time after class? From campus golf to sledding the Green Monster, watch to discover the activities and resources waiting just outside your dorm.

The Football Experience

A lively student section, strobe lights, cheer routines, and NCAA Division II football—follow student photographer Cassie Grover as she captures the action at the Mountaineer Bowl.

Annual On-Campus Rail Jam

Rail Jam, one of Western’s most unique and anticipated events, transforms Taylor Lawn into an action-packed terrain park as students throw down their best tricks for the top spot.

Asian Pacific Islanders Club Annual Luau

Western’s Multicultural Center hosts several events that celebrate culture and community, including the APIC Luau. Take a look behind the scenes of one of our favorite food nights on campus.

Feel At Home From Day One

New Student Orientation
Wilderness Based Orientation
A student looks over at her friend and smiles while sliding headfirst down the giant slip n' slide for orientation week.

New Student Orientation

We don’t do a typical first-week orientation. Your first week is all about building connections and getting to know your new home. From outdoor excursions to a Slip ’N Slide party and more, you’ll jump right into experiences that help you meet people, have fun, and feel like a Mountaineer from day one.

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Two students smile at the top of Storm Pass while on a backpacking trip.

Wilderness Based Orientation

Want to start college in the backcountry? Add a five-day Wilderness-Based Orientation (WBO) trip to your orientation experience.

  • Mountaineering
  • Backpacking
  • Multi Sport Adventure
  • Rock Climbing
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
Learn More

Explore Our Small Mountain College Town

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Discover a Love for the Outdoors

Wilderness Pursuits
Mountain Sports
Western students float down the Colorado River on rafts for Wilderness Pursuits' overnight trip on the Ruby Horsethief stretch.

Wilderness Pursuits

Featuring student-guided trips and an on-campus gear rental shop, Wilderness Pursuits (WP) is your go-to place for exploring the Gunnison Valley at an affordable price. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, WP has an experience for you.

  • Ice Climbing
  • Backcountry Skiing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Backpacking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountaineering
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • And more!
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A skier skis through powder at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Mountain Sports

Are you already a mountain athlete? Take your outdoor passion to the next level by joining a Mountain Sports team. You’ll train with experienced coaches, practice on a consistent schedule, and travel to compete across the state, the country, and even the world.

  • Trail Running
  • Mountain Biking
  • Climbing
  • Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding
  • Alpine Skiing
  • Nordic Skiing
  • Ski Mountaineering
Learn More

50+ Clubs to choose from

From KWSB 91.1 (student radio) to Whitewater Club and the Queer Collective, there is a club for everyone to build community and get involved on campus.
Explore Clubs at Western
The collegiate

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