We are suckers for Whistler and go every year. Having the most vertical in north america commands a premium.
Last year we went for a week, this year just for 3 day long weekend. We pair it with our Colorado ski passes so at least the lift tickets are 'free.' We are staying in a 2 bedroom condo ski-in/out for 3 nights, total cost is CAD 1500 or $1170 USD or $390/night. So yeah, pretty pricey. Usually better deals can be had if you stay longer (1 week VRBOs) and booking early (we booked end of summer, whoops).
But I love downhill skiing. I love sitting in the hot tub outside when the sun sets and looking at the mountains. These are things that make life worth living. To me the experience is worth the cost (and why I won't retire at typical MM rates).
There are cheaper places in the interior and further north as noted. I'd like to try them. But they get farther away, more vacation time or a flight, etc. We are within driving distance to Whistler, so it makes for a relatively easy trip. I've been skiing since I could walk, and having versatility and huge acres with varying terrain is a big thing for me.
Sometimes we do littler places just for the weekend where I ski with my daughter and it's a quiet cute weekend, but for a real ski-cation, I want the big resorts like Whistler, Breck, Big Sky, etc.
PS Big Sky is WAY cheaper and has great snow and there's nobody there.