Money is not necessarily the key to happiness, however it doesn't hurt. If you have the capacity, which it sounds like you do, get an education so you can comfortably support your self and your love to ski in the future. I for one never considered letting skiing go from my life, not even temporarily. But i was also not willing to start closing doors to my future just so i could ski. Turns out you can do both. I attend the University of Utah, which is by no mean a prestigious school, however it is still a very good school with a well respected engineering program and many more. There is plenty of skiing to be had here in SLC, plus a very low in-state tuition can be acquired in only one year. My house-mate is about to finish up his engineering degree within the net year and i would say he has had a little more than his fair share of skiing, plus i bet when i see him with his shiny new after-college job, he will sporting some sweet new gear. The way i see it i can live like i'm in college (sharing a house with many men, working hard all summer, working hard during school, not owning a car, living pay-check to pay-check, ect.) for only my college years and then moving on to bigger and better, or by not going to college run the very high chance of living like a college kid for the rest of my life. I also know that most parent are plenty happy to help get there kids threw the financial challenge that college poses, but if you want to be a ski bum your probably going to get left high and dry when you "can't quit cover rent this month".
College is an opportunity that many people do not get once, and even less get twice, I encourage you not to miss your opportunity.
Goodluck