we found it very affordable and real authentic experience (no faux village...) to take our kids on a ski tour through the Canadian Rockies last winter! our favorite spot on the trip were two resorts in Southeastern BC- Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort.
I have found that smaller resorts have the best prices and are the least crowded. Two years ago I took myself and 4 of my children to Deer Mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I bought lift tickets and rented skis for $70. The same thing a Vail would have been several times that. And since the Black Hills are mostly a summer destination winter lodge is cheap and abundant. Yes mega resorts qare nice but mega resorts come with mega prices.