Replying to Working at a resort next year? Ill be 21 looking for advice

So basically I'm thinking of taking next year off from school and trying to get a job at a resort as a lifty or really any job there. Obviously I'm also considering working off the resort at a local place (hotel, bar, wherever) and just being able to ride a lot meet some new friends all that jazz. I'm from Colorado definitely wanna stay there preferably somewhere in summit. But I have friends who worked lifts at vail and another buddy who works at a rug store in crested butte and is having a blasty blast. but I kinda wanna hear advice from people who have worked at resorts. Did you like it? What sort of money were you making? What type of perks do you have working for a resort (aside from being on the mountain frequently) how much is the cost of living and is it managable with the money tou were making at work? how many days on the slopes were you getting? And most importantly was it worth it? I just wanna get a feel for things. Maybe even when should I start applying for positions out there? Any help or advice would be great and much appreciated!