Isn’t it too early to plan family ski trips? For travel and budget experts, it never is. Furthermore, waiting up to a month before the ski season reaches its peak will only guarantee problems with luggage 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 pre-packaged vacations, some may opt for DIY ski vacations. While it’s true, planning every detail of your ski getaway will take a lot of haggling, research, and planning. know to dothe benefits can be huge:

• flexibility. Everyone has a say in what they can do during their ski vacation. It is a win-win situation if each member of the family 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 you can to make sure your trip runs smoothly. This includes enrolling your kids 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 little George messed up). ). flight). And if you bring toddlers or young children, the stress can increase even more.

So, if you’re still going down this route (at your own risk), here are a few 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. Not only does this ensure that you get first place on the best accommodations, but you get it for much less. Discounts abound during the off 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 the airline of your choice allows you to book transportation in advance, do so in advance, as you may be charged more if you wait until check-in.

• Choose late or early season. Prices are usually cheaper at the beginning of the season (when the crowds barely arrive) or at the end of 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 a nearly empty ski resort during this time.

• Choose lesser known destinations. 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 childcare options. Ask the hotel or resort operator if they have babysitting services or nurseries where you can leave your little ones while you enjoy your day on the slopes. But exercise caution: Some daycare centers employ people who may not have the necessary certification to care for younger children. Therefore, it is best to research daycare centers first before entrusting your care to your toddler.

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.