Getting into photography - Help with camera

Alright so I have been doing photography for a while now, but only with the family camera on vacations and at family gatherings mainly.

But I really want to get into it more because I really enjoy it when I do it.
And I understand that there are tons of these threads but I am really looking for some help.

I have been looking at the GoPro because it can take both high quality photos and videos because I want a camera that can do both.
But I am also open to getting a DSLR if that would be a better option.
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So here are my answers to the questions:

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?

Budget depends, I can easily put $500 into it and possibly more depending on the amount. My parents might be willing to pitch some as my Christmas present as well.
And I will have more money to invest in the future.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?

Have experience with a camera but quite minimal, mainly just point and shoot and simple camcorders. But I learn qucikly and willing to invest plenty of time to learn more.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)

Have no equipment right now

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)

Planning to shoot pretty much everything from Skiing to landscapes, to family, to everything in between. Will be used for everything. I also plan to shoot video and make little edits of skiing and adventures.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

I will probably will be the only one using the camera for the most part although friends and family may use it every now and then.

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)

When i shoot skiing I plan to do follow cams, tripod, and in the case of the GoPro POV.

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.

My computer is relatively new and easily has enough space to hold any photos and videos i might have.

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)

I have some experience with both Photoshop and Sony Vegas Pro and willing to learn. I would put my photoshop skills at about a 7 and Vegas at about 5.5

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?

I would definetly consider using a DSLR if it was the best choice for me, and definetly in the future once I have more experience

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?
Nope - too expensive for me right now

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
Nope

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?

Absolutely, I would love to know how to manually use my camera and have full control of the settings.

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

same response as above.