Where a college kid should go snow ski?

I am a 20 yr old college kid living in Alabama. Ive snowboarded usually once or twice year since I was a little kid but it has always been a family trip. This year i'm trying to plan a ski trip for me and some friends this Christmas break so I'm worried more about money this time since I'll be paying for myself. I need suggestions on where to go that would have great skiing(most important), a fun environment for college kids, and that isn't too pricey. I've been to park city, Utah a few times and have loved it because of the great terrain parks and cool town. But its a pretty expensive place. This is probably my top choice but i'd have trouble convincing my friends that it's worth paying that much. So any other suggestions?? And nothing east coast(done that a few times and t's just not the same) Thanks!