Replying to Ski Bumming Questions

So I finally decided to take a year off before college and give ski bumming a try out in Salt Lake. Pretty much everyone tells me it is a dumb idea, but I can't not do it, I love to ski way to much. I wanted to get some advice from Utah NSers or anyone about the best way of going about doing this.

My general plan is to get an apartment in Sandy (or around it). I want to ski Snowbird most days, but I want to throw in some days at PC to progress myself in the park. My first question is transportation. Should I pool my money and buy a cheap 3,000 dollar old subaru (or another reputable 4wd), or would a bus be able to take me from an apartment in Sandy to both Snowbird and PC.

Another inquiry has to do with jobs. Ill be working this summer but I was wondering what the best job for a ski bum would be. I was thinking a waiter at night somewhere in Sandy or SLC (or LCC?), but was wondering if anyone had any advice on good gigs for the kind of lifestyle I want to live. (Also sorry if I am misconstruing the term ski bum, I don't know what else to use).

Lastly, dates. What is the best way for me to find a roommate or an apartment in Sandy. When should I start checking on those?

Sorry for the big wall of text, I'm just a little nervous about the whole thing, but too excited to consider not doing it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks NS!

(I posted this in the utah regional but it doesn't seem to have gotten any response)