Hunter's park sucks, but it's the best hill open right now. Belleayre sucks, but (I think) the park there is better. Both pipes are crap. Not sure if either is open, haven't skied in NY for a while...
Ski length doesn't matter as long as you can handle them where you're skiing... I a pair of 195 XXX's and I also have a pair of 178 LBF's, big size difference, but I'm using them for different things.
I like my Markers because I like prelease
I like my s912's because the toe piece comes unadjusted
The only binders to have are either the older s900's or Look/Rossignol
The Booster Strap - Works wonders
http://www.skiershop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=172
Poor arch support can also kill your shins because it overstresses everything when you land. Get boots that fit and stop landing in the back seat