Isn’t it too early to plan family ski trips? For the travel and budget connoisseur, it never is. Plus, waiting up to a month before the ski season peaks will only guarantee packaging problems and sky-high prices. Therefore, early risers will not only get the worm, but also the best accommodation the resort has to offer.
While many will prefer the convenience of prepackaged vacations, some may opt for DIY ski vacations. Although yes, planning every detail of your ski getaway will involve a lot of haggling, research, and planning. know to do, the rewards can be huge:
- Flexibility. Everyone can have a say in what they can do during the ski holidays. It is a win-win situation if each member of the family has their own preferences.
- Liberty. Planning your own ski getaway means you have the freedom to explore the ski area in your own way. This means that you can visit off-the-beaten-path places and even go cross-country skiing (with a guide, of course). You won’t have to worry about sticking to the schedule set by your travel agent.
- Savings. As you plan all aspects of your ski getaway, you can choose the cheapest flights and accommodations available at the resort.
But with great freedom comes great responsibility. As you will be handling 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 their 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 missed a flight). And if you bring small children or toddlers with you, the stress can increase even more.
So, if you’re still going this route (at your own risk), 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 first. This not only ensures that you get the top prices on the best accommodations, but that you will get them for much less. Discounts abound during off-peak 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 low-cost airlines, charge more for ski or snowboard equipment. Therefore, if the airline of your choice allows you to book transportation in advance, please do so in advance, as you could be charged more if you wait until check-in.
- Choose late or early season. Prices are usually cheaper during the beginning of the season (when the crowds are coming) or at the end of the season (when everyone is eager 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 research, you can spot hidden gems that can guarantee as much fresh powder as their more popular counterparts at a fraction of the cost.
- Don’t forget the childcare options. Ask the hotel or resort operator if they have babysitters or nurseries where you can leave your little ones while you enjoy your day on the slopes. But do it with caution – some daycare 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 first before entrusting your child to your care.
Remember that DIY ski trips may not be for everyone. Therefore, it is best to look for other options before considering this route. A poorly executed one will not only guarantee problems, but also hidden charges that you will be very surprised to find out.