R.N.
Hey B..
I agree with everything Jodi said and have been everywhere she suggested except canada. We usually go to Steamboat. It's nice because the airport is fairly close and they have EVERYTHING (even Walmart and TCBY) yet it's still quaint enough. Like Jodi said, it's expensive! You can eat meals in your condo if you're on a tight budget though.
My other recommendation is to get a condo on the mountain wherever you go. I would settle for a less nice place that is ski in/ski out. You get so tired when skiing (plus the altitude) and if you're not used to it even more so. Plus, if you want to eat meals in your condo it's easier to get back out quickly.
I learned to ski in NM. I learned at Angel Fire. It was easy for beginners and I think you can hop on SW to ALB and then it's about a 1.5-2.5 hr drive depending on the weather. I have also been to ruidoso in S NM. It is very easy-good for beginners. It's also VERY economical. It's about a 10-11 hr drive from here-not too bad. You can't stay on the mountain there. Avoid Taos, it's really hard.
So, in Colorado I recommend Steamboat and Crested Butte. I also recommend the place I skiied a lot as a child-- Purgatory/Durango. It's nice and very beginner friendly, maybe a boit cheaper too since so many charters go there. Personally, I did not like Keystone, and I wouldn't recommend it. Same with Brekenridge. Lots of college kids! Avoid Aspen, it's very steep and NOT economical (duh).
I have been to Park City UT and skiied at Deer Valley. DV was super expensive! Park City looked cute (we didn't do a lot there). I think it's about an hour from SLC. My BF lived in SLC in middle school, and as locals they loved park city, Snowbird, and Alta. I have never been to the latter two.
Good luck wherever you choose, and be sure to GET private lessons!!
R.