I have heard the patent parent line too many times. “We haven’t skied in three years, we had a baby,” is their confession. “We’ll get back out there soon, when we can ski as a family.”

That is a serious hiatus from the hill for moms and dads that love to ski. It is also an unnecessary absence from their favorite frosty sport. First, you aren’t doing yourself or your child a favor by skipping sequential seasons on snow.

Physically and mentally the fresh air, snow and scenery are just what sleep-deprived, socially isolated parents pine for. Second, there are some very good daycares in ski country that will expand your toddler’s experiences while you bag some battery charging runs.

Ski resorts have come along way from providing a cubbyhole corner in the base lodge manned by one geriatric guard dog, so parents could slide some turns. Today many ski resorts have custom built childcare facilities, licensed trained caregivers and themed daily programs.

All that said, new (read: nervous) parents fear leaving their prized possession in an unfamiliar daycare, even on a perfect powder day. Daycare nightmares come from being uninformed in selecting the right ski spot, and then being unorganized and unprepared when it comes time to drop off your little darling.

Here are some ski areas tuned into tiny tots and carve-craving parents, followed by tips on dealing with daycare delivery.

Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire debuted a bright, purpose built Childcare Center last season. Children 12 months to 5 years are welcomed at Mother Goose’s, and parents can choose from half ($40) and full-day ($60) care depending upon how many turns they want to make, and how many Franklins they want to fork over.

Sister resort in Vermont, Okemo now offers two separate day care centers, at the central base and at the new Jackson Gore. Children 6 months to 6 years enrolled in Okemo’s Penguin Playground daycare partake in arts and crafts, story telling, singing, and playtime. Each day is $72, or $1,800 buys a season pass for serious slope-loving parents.

Smugglers’ Notch has made their focus families, and their million-dollar slopeside “Treasures” childcare center is evidence. A one-way mirror lets paranoid parents peak in on their tot undetected. Smuggs’ accepts babies starting at 6 weeks, for mothers eager to make post-maternity tracks. Pagers can be rented for $10 to keep communication lines open, recommended for nursing moms. Smuggs’ encourages pre-school age families to vacation during non-school holidays by offering 50% off daycare (normally $66 per day), something to consider for avoiding peak crowds and saving a few bucks.

A big fancy facility doesn’t always equal better daycare. Small ski resorts often bundle TLC in a humble but happy setting. Bromley’s Mighty Mites daycare is friendly and professional, and if you pay for 2 midweek days at $49, you get a third day free.

Gunstock’s Buckaroo Child Center has a cozy and comfortable feel. Gunstock offers parent friendly pricing options – by the hour, half or full day, or a six-pack of days at a discount.

Ragged Mountain’s slopeside childcare center in the Meeting House offers hourly care, at $8 per hour. Riding the speedy six-pack, parents can get excellent vertical value, knowing their child (6-weeks on up) is cared for.

Maine’s Mt. Abram designed their West Side Lodge with a cheery Bullwinkle’s Babies daycare (on the small scale – hosting a max of 12 children). At $30 for half day, you can ski the entire hill and hardly be missed by your child.

Sugarloaf’s daycare is nothing fancy, located in the former Gondola building, but the Loaf’s caring staff make children (and therefore parents) happy and at home. Add the occasional visit from mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear, and you have a winning family ski getaway. Rates are $52 per day, or a ten pack for $450 for more loyal Loafers.

Here are some parent pointers to know before you go:

Daycare Do’s and Don’ts
1. Do ask friends and fellow parents about ski area daycares they recommend.
2. Do call ahead, ask for rates, ratios & registration forms, then reserve your space.
3. Do ask about the schedule and what’s included: outdoor play, naps, snacks, lunch.
4. Do pack a “diaper bag” with a change of clothes, favorite toys, all labeled.
5. Do bring a list of your child’s likes, dislikes, nap times, phone numbers, etc.
6. Do prepare your child for their new experience, clearly explaining that you will leave - and come back.
7. Don’t prolong your goodbye, and don’t get caught spying on your child.
8. Do ask for a pager or phone number so you can be electronically connected if your child needs you – or you need to check in and hear “everything is just fine.”
9. Don’t be late picking up your child. Some resorts have whopping late fees (Okemo’s is $20 – that last run adds up).
10. Don’t let anxiety or guilt spoil your ski time, go enjoy your freedom in the fall line – you’ll be back to diaper duty soon enough.

Heather Burke raised two toddlers on the ski trails with her husband/photographer Greg. The Burkes had their share of ski area daycare days. Now their kids are bombing the slopes.