It’s such a difference. Other than maybe Tremblant, nowhere east holds a candle.
The good news is - it’s just not the big names that give access.
I don’t know if they are residential and how often the student truly wants to ski and the majors are limited but when I was in Aspen the other year, there’s Colorado Mountain College. May be worth a look. I was envious.
For private - and yes costly - and likely a reach - but U of Denver is loaded with skiers. My daughters bf skis 3-4 days a week during the year, usually Arapahoe as it’s drivable.
If costs matter and a true safety - U Wyoming. Not great skiing is 45 mins away. If you go to CSU to visit, it’s not much farther. You hear Wyoming and think far but not too far from Denver and not far at all from Ft Collins. CSU would probably be money better spent to visit than Boulder from an admission POV but if you can do both…
But def check NAU and Snowbowl. It’s not far and lots of free buses from downtown flagstaff. It’s not a huge place so see if the skiing works for the student. It might be the easiest to get to of any.