When asked what they did over winter vacation, very few students can reply: “I went to Africa and climbed is highest peak.” 11 Cornellians chose to forego the comforts of home this January to climb Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro to benefit treatment of Obstetric Fistula.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For those of you with an adventurous side, I’ve compiled a short field guide to dating in the outdoor scene.

The Cold-Smoke Snob

Where to find him: Knee-deep in powder somewhere out West, or in Ithaca, locked in his room pining over pictures of the Rockies and ski movies.

The date: Somewhere cheap with good dark beer (hint: sketchiest looking bar in town).

Pros: Probably has a season pass and can get you a discount on a lift ticket.

Cons: No (girl)friends on a powder day.

The Sport Climber

Where to find her: Rockin’ all the 5.13 routes at the Gunks.

The date: Lindseth/Noyes climbing walls, if you don’t mind being shown up by a girl.

Pros: The body.

Cons: The attitude.

My all-time outdoor Epic Wish List is complete and for all of you to read. Here, I include only expeditions real, live college kids have already experienced, showing that with a bit of dedication the average student can log some amazing outdoor adventures.

Epic 1: Ski Mountaineering: Denali

Skiing the highest peak in North America requires the most preparation. Schedule it as a grand finale to your undergrad experience because the amount of preparation that goes into summiting and then shredding all 20,320 feet of Mt. McKinley is intensive.What to bring: A team of trusted friends and some serious experience. Don’t try it if ... you thought “Denali” was a jacket by The North Face.

Epic 2: Ski/Snowboard: Being a Bum