In reply to summo:
What he said. You will be the envy of everyone on the hill with all that free time. Nothing beats hours on the mountain (or days on your pass), supplement by booking some time with a high level instructor and then consolidate.
As for resorts- you'll struggle to find somewhere to live long term in whistler- its also getting difficult in Fernie. The snow should be pretty good this season, and i'm not jealous at all.
If you dont need to work, id head to the states personally, Sqaw/ big white/ lake Tahoe- Cheaper to live