+4 for spending some time up at the resort learning to powder ski. Most novice skiers who are not good at powder skiing waste an unimaginable amount of energy on the downhill, which opens you up for injury and a slower exit from the BC.
Find someone who is an expert skier, offer to buy their ticket or some beers, and have them give you lessons would be highly recommended and will greatly accelerate your learning curve.
As far as skis are concerned, unless you are interested in ripping GS turns, going for a ski that is between 90 and 105 under foot will give you the best ski for all conditions IMO. A wide ski is slower edge to edge and just requires a little getting used to, but is far superior in powder or the crud.