Guess I will beat Jack to it. Go here to get a grip on setting up your current setup to try "The Norm" and read as much info as you can input into your grey matter.
http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm
For buying alpine boards there is no better site than this one, check in the classified ads forum here
http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=33
Also, post your info in this area, ride boards. This area caters specifcally to your locale and who is riding where and when.
http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=15
Another thing, most carvers on here are more than willing to help a newbie start out on a carving set up. Many riders have extra gear that are willing to loan out to try to get you started in carving. There are many carvers that live in the PNW that post here.
Also, check out the N.I.C.E. posting in the message board. Lots of carvers congregate at these events and are more than willing to help
http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32611
looks like it ends Sunday