Replying to Advice on moving west

so i just finished 2 years of college and decided to take a year off to move out west and ski. right now i think i want to go to colorado. i thikn i just got a job with the vail college program which would give me a job, housing and a pass. this is great, but i kind of want to just get an apartment on craigslist and look for a job once im there. this just seems much more adventurous and fun in my mind. i also think it would let me ski more. so i have some questions.

what is employee housing like at breck and vail? i have alot of friends who have said they want to come out and stay with me and ride, but would this be possible in employee housing?

do you think i could get a job or good apartment in the summit county area if i didnt do the vail resorts thing?

any other advice from people who have done it, or people who live in this area would be GREATLY appreciated.
I realize this should probably be in regionals,but it will get read alot more here and i am gonna have to decide which i want to do soon