but the reason most people (east coast skiers) have trouble skiing pow isn't a lack of skill, its that they have to tone down the skills they use everyday. Also, most east coast skiers are not used to not being able to see their skis, so that can take a little time to get used to as well.
A west coast skier coming east, usually has problems because they have been ''spoiled'' by the snow. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the softness of the snow of west makes skiing easier. Out West, you need to keep your feet more under your body and the softness of the snow does not require you to be in ideal balance (the snow is a lot more forgiving about fore and aft balance issues).
Now I'm not saying all West Coast skiers are bad, there are a great deal that are exceptional. Personally, I just think to truly be a top notch skier, its important to have experience skiing both coasts.
The funniest thing I've ever heard was the first time I went to Utah, skiing at Snowbird, sitting around at the end of the day, and some old lady was complaining about the day being the worst conditions she had ever skied. Me and my brother almost spit out our drinks we were laughing so hard, we both agreed it was most likely one of the top 10 days (conditions) we had ever skied.