Cheaper value options for weekend getaway?

Typically I’m more advanced and enjoy taking trips to any mountains with the craziest conditions/off piste/tree trials. How ever this time I’m taking a different group who are more of a beginner crowd.

Looking for a mountain that we can go for the weekend that has some kind of places to hang out afterwards and a fun atmosphere. The group I’m going with is less experienced therefor I don’t think they would mind the longer breaks on the lines but also want them to get a good few runs and get a lot of practice in. Lodging in the resort seems a little pricey and looking to save some money. Willing to do an Airbnb that’s nearby but within reasonable distance.

For 6 people and 2-3 nights it’s looking at 5k with lift tickets which seems absurd compared to what I used to pay in the past.

Any recommendations is much appreciated.

I used to go to Smugglers,killington, mt snow , and blue mountain but all these seem to getting a bad rep. Smugglers seems to be extremely expensive compared to the past