Well, I am somewhat provincial, but I have skiied many western (ok - not
west coast) areas such as vail, Ajax, Canyons, Alta, Jackson Hole, etc.
My wife and I were amazed how incredibly easy it is to ski in perfect
powder, with 6 inches of kick around fluff. I just prefer the more
challenging conditions of the east. Ever tried Mad River Glen: motto is
"Ski it if you can." And they mean it: no grooming, no significant
snowmaking. Nothing in the west can match it.

I can also name names: New Hampshires very own Bode Miller, NJ's Donna
Weinbrecht, spring to mind.

As far as learning to ski on the hard shiny stuff before the perfect 6
inch powder, you of course know that most west-coasters (including
colorado) have never had to master it. Obviously the pros have-- they
prefer icy runs for speed.

$550?? Do I get a new pair of Volkls with that? ;-) Three years ago, we
skiied with Johnny Mosely at Sunday River (one of the finest resorts in
North America) for free. That was a good time, and a chance to see a true
athlete (and really nice kid) up close. He is the greatest bump skier of
all time.