Did mine a couple seasons ago blowing up on a straightline.
Find a good surgeon (not too hard here in SLC, they do a ton of knees around here, but it could be trickier other places). Get your range of motion back before surgery.
My surgeon had my leg in a machine afterwards that kept it moving - that helps a lot. I was off crutches in 10 days. Backpacking 4 months later, skiing 5 months later. Stationary bike is good for it, be sure to see a physical therapist regularly, and do what they tell you to do.
 as far as the graft go, mine was hamstring and I'm happy with it, patella is longer recovery time as well as older style, but some surgeons still prefer it. Oh, and don't try to do anythings stupid beforehand, like ski you're asking for meniscus damage. Also no harm in a waiting a month or two before surgery, giving your knee time to heal after the injury helps the surgery recovery go faster.
Hope all that helps, good luck