If you are not looking for the glitzy "resort lifestyle" consider more local, out of the way locales that are near larger metro areas that have economies that can provide you with decent work.
As an example, take Mt. Hood. Sure, the resorts are nothing compared to Colorado, Utah and Tahoe, but the terrain is great, almost no lift lines, the length of season and reliable snow is something to factor in. With Mt. Hood, you can still easily find work in Portland that will pay the rent and let you afford a season pass. Meadows for example has season passes for $400, not a grand like many of the "popular" resorts.
There are some great places to ride in Washington, Idaho and Montana that have very low cost of living prices and great riding terrain. The more "popular" the area, the pricier it will be. BA is right on target about working for a resort. They pay next to nothing, demand the world from you and will kill your stoke. You are so much better off working off the hill and buying your pass.
Bottom line for Canada is, as BA points out, that as an America, you can not get a work visa to work in Canada unless you have a very specialized skill that is in high demand and the employer who sponsors you proves to the government that they cannot reasonably fill the position with a Canadian. Only the U.S allows just anyone into their country; Canada actually enforces it`s borders.