The idea of a ski area by the sea seems rather preposterous at first, but there are actually quite a few in North America. Here's a photographic sample. Each of these ski mountains feature magnificent seaside views and significant verticals ranging from about 1600-2800 feet:
Alyeska ski area, about 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska: http://community.webshots.com/photo/61775502/61775731KCEVUo
Grouse Mountain Ski area just a couple miles outside the city of Vancouver, Canada (night skiing here above city lights is supposedly among the prettiest anywhere): http://community.webshots.com/photo/12274020/108768633OeUFSU
Mt. Washington Ski Resort, on Vancouver Island a couple hours northwest of city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (This area not to be mistaken with Mt. Washington, NH.): http://community.webshots.com/photo/63219653/63222191UwIzuS
LeMassif ski area in eastern Canada (along St. Lawrence Seaway): http://community.webshots.com/photo/299734010/299734010KxbyNY
If you want to find out more about each ski area Google for their websites or look them up at www.goski.com