hmmm, this isn't really the most crazy scene place. West is usually reserved for the large resorts in california, and like Utah and Colorado (even though those really aren't west coast).
But the skiing can be great sometimes, but we are, in this state at least, limited to day use areas that are somewhat smaller in size. There is backcountry to choose from at pretty much any ski area, and parks should be taking off a bit more at a couple of the mountains (provided no slackers hold control). Snowfall is generall adequate (lets not mention 04-05). Sometimes we get a lot, like more than places such as Mammoth or Utah, but don't get much credit for it, but whatever. People seem to complain about heavy powder, and it is heavier than some places, but damn it can be good.
Living out in the Seattle area is expensive. I'm not sure what you are used to in NY, but I'm sure it would be high to pretty much anybody. It does depend on where you live though.
There is a pretty stong scene at here though. I mean there are more than twice as many posts in this regional than in the second most, which is probably new england or colorado.
Overall it depends on the qualities you are looking for. Big resortish like ski areas require you to go North, South, or East.
Oh, and it doesn't rain all the time. We got like an inch of rain all summer long, but we did have something like 30 consecutive days of rain this past winter.