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Planning a Family Ski Trip: The Pros and Cons of DIY Ski Trips

Isn’t it too early to plan family ski trips? For travel and budget connoisseurs, it never is. Plus, waiting until a month before the ski season reaches its peak will only guarantee baggage hassle and sky-high premium prices. So early risers will not only get the worm, but also the best accommodations the resort has to offer.

While many will prefer the convenience of a pre-packaged vacation, some may opt for the do-it-yourself ski vacation. While it’s true, planning every detail of your ski getaway will involve a lot of haggling, research, and planning. know to dothe benefits can be huge:

• flexibility. Everyone can have a say in what they can do on a ski vacation. It’s a win-win situation if each family member has their own preferences.
• Freedom. Planning your own ski getaway means you have the freedom to explore the ski resort your way. This means you can visit off-the-beaten-path sights and even go ski touring (with a guide, of course). You won’t have to worry about meeting the schedule set by your travel agent.
• Savings. As you plan every aspect of your ski getaway, you can choose the cheapest flights and accommodations available at the resort.

But with great freedom comes great responsibility. Since you will be taking care of every detail of your trip, you should do everything possible to ensure that your trip runs smoothly. This includes enrolling your children in a ski school of your choice, and making sure everyone and everything is accounted for (the last thing you want is to lose your luggage or skis between connecting flights, or find out that little George messed up). ). flight). And if you’re bringing toddlers or young children with you, the stress can add even more.

So, if you still go this route (at your peril), here are some tips to remember when planning a DIY ski getaway:

• Avoid the rush. Planning a DIY ski getaway involves a lot of research, so you need to do it beforehand. This not only ensures that you get the first on the best accommodations, but you’ll get it for much less. Discounts abound during low seasons, as most ski resort operators try to get more people to book early to avoid the rush.
• Check the fine print. Many airlines, especially budget airlines, charge extra for ski or snowboard equipment. So, if your airline of choice allows you to book transportation in advance, do so in advance, as they may charge you more if you wait until check-in.
• Choose late or early season. Prices are usually cheapest early in the season (when the crowds are barely arriving) or late in the season (when everyone is itching to get back to reality) as snow conditions are often unsafe outside of the high season. Also, you can enjoy the serenity of an almost empty ski resort during this time.
• Choose lesser-known destinations. The high season still guarantees the best snow conditions. And if you want to hit the slopes during this time of year (but still want to avoid the crowds), choose lesser-known resorts and destinations. With a little digging, you can find hidden gems that can guarantee just as much fresh powder as their more popular counterparts at a fraction of the cost.
• Don’t forget child care options. Ask the hotel or the resort operator if they have a babysitting service or nurseries where you can leave your little ones while you enjoy your day on the slopes. But do so with caution: some day care centers employ people who may not have the necessary certification to care for younger children. Therefore, it is best to do your research on daycare centers first before entrusting your toddler with care.

Remember that DIY ski trips may not be for everyone. Therefore, it is best to look at other options first before considering this route. A poorly executed one will not only guarantee problems, but also hidden charges that you will be very surprised to discover.