Replying to What pass to Buy in the SLC

So I'm a Freshman this year at Westminster, and totally new to the Utah skiing game. My Parents have agreed to pay for a pass of my choice, and i plan on throwing down on a second, obviously cheaper one. Unfortunetly, i have no clue where to go. Ive heard so much good stuff about every resort, im frankly, overwhelmed.

To get so good help, i guess ill describe what kinda skier i am. Im a huge fan of powder (who isnt?) and really want to get into backcountry this year, just cant afford the gear right now. I recently purchased a pair of 2011 Volkl Chopstix, and am looking at some HG's. I also spend alot of time in the park, though i wouldnt consider myself above average by any means. Im looking to get better at it though, so a good park at at least one of the Mt's is a must. I also like dropping cliffs on powder days, so a few scattered (not huge) cliffs would be a plus for sure.

I've been talking to alot of people about their preference of Mountains, with totally mixed reply's. What im hearing though, is that The Bird/Alta is the place for Powder and Backcountry, but get hectic on those days when it dumps. They are also a bit spendy, and have no park game. Park City is a bit on the
 cheaper side, and has the best parks, but no pow. and Brighton and Caynons offer a bit of everything.

If Newschoolers could help me out, maybe confirm or deny my current since of the mt's, and just give me some imput as to where you think i should end up, that would be tight.