see, i grew up in the midwest as well, and there is a huge difference between wearing snowpants instead of jeans, and letting fancy clothes become 50% of the reason you think someone is a good skier.
the  midwest is a place where this is even more apparent, in my opinion.  there are people who have the money to buy new gear every year, and the fanciest outerwear and goggles, and the trendiest hand knit hats, but for every one of those people who blows ass at skiing, there are 2 farm kids in carharts and blaze orange hats that rip them to shreds on the hill and in the park.