well, i'm sure you've read that AT boots are neither great skiers nor hikers. but in the right conditions, skinning is most certainly nicer than hiking! carrying downhill ski gear sucks but it's do-able and makes the skiing much easier. (you might also need snowshoes, though.) skiing in hiking boots - well, i wouldn't go there myself but there are people who do.
how much and what kind of climbing/skiing do you really intend to do? and single or multiple day outings?