my cousin's name is willy, is going to CMC, and is pretty baller. whaddayaknow.
The deferring enrollment/year off option is the way to go, for me at least.  Why not take a break, do what you want for a year and live the ski bum lifestyle, while figuring things out?  Who cares if you start school one year older.  My sister did it and she said it was the best thing she could have done.
As far as schools go, I'm sorry but location is my #1 factor in where I'm applying.  Skiing is way too big of a deal for me to say, ok, grow up, career time.  My top choices are UVM and Westminster, both of which are decent schools and Westminster offers aviation classes.