I can't comment because I haven't been to bear in three years, but I taught my little brother just fine at high last season.

Either resort should be fine to learn at, it just depends where you friends ride. Start on the bunny slopes, and slowly progress your way higher and higher. Also, try to borrow as much gear as you can from your friends, this will save you a good amount of cash vs renting. If you HAVE to rent, rent around here, and not at the mountain, it is considerably cheaper to do so. You're going to spend the majority of your first day on your ass, so dress warmly. Good gloves/pants are a must for learners.