Alright, I was going to let this rest but there's some retro interest, so here's a shot back in history:
Took my first lesson at The Grossinger's Resort (Liberty NY) in 1965. The rental shop had state of the art equipment such as double leather lace-up boots, cable bindings with "safety" straps, wood skis with screwed in edges. It didn't take long to wear out my gloves on the rope-tow and for the dependency to begin.
I progressed to The Pines Hotel and their 200 vertical-foot chairlift where I made friends with Howie and Alan whose parents were full-time hotel employees. I remember them speaking of Plattekill and Blockbuster in deferential terms. I stayed out all day on the "slopes" and eventually graduated to harder substances such as Davos, Great Gorge, Silvermine, and Belleayre.
Several winters at "Camp Hunter" in various share houses provided the means to pay my dues and finally break through.
As far as the location of the cave in Utah: set out from Reno - preferably being trailed by 20 hounds. You can't miss it! And there is always room for ski buddies.