3-event Skiing is aristocratic. It's not for the masses. It not like soccer or even snowboarding. Think more along the lines of Polo and Dressage.
It's both expensive and tough to get to the top of Everest as well, but that's part of the charm.
You can, in fact, find ways to ski on a budget if you really want to. You just have to be hooked, creative and committed. But, again, you need to be a lunatic who really appreciates the sport or its not going to happen.
Skiing is what it is. The best sport on the planet for a relatively few families who get it. And that's ok with me.