at least you get real mountains with those ticket prices out west. I spent over $550 for two season tickets to go down a bunny hill with my son a few times this winter. 120 feet elevation change on the biggest hill, and just five different 1/4 mile runs. We have reliable snow maybe for 3 months. So far it is 58 degrees here during the day and we'll be lucky to see them make some snow by the end of the month.
Single 4 hour sessions at our hill would cost $75 for the two of us, full days are over $100.
Add $15 in gas to get there and home, and you wonder why we do it? To get some practice in before we head out to the snowed in Sierras in April

Last time I talked to a friend out west, he scored Mammoth season tickets for little more than we pay here (you need to buy them in the middle of summer for the best price).