My family is making jump to Tier 1 PeeWee next year. We spoke with the coaches and are assured no tournaments further than 2 hours away from rink, with only 2 hotel stays for showcase/away games in CT/NY. No plane rides to Chicago, Florida, Detroit or Anaheim like other parents I spoke with that are leaving current Tier 1 team due to $20k+ in travel costs. Our team not doing that so make sure you find the right team for what fits your needs. If you can play 2 hours or less away and limit travel costs, Tier 1 is a way better buy than Tier 2. Tier 1 at $5200= 3-4 days on ice, 1 day off ice (licensed trainer), 2 day/month video, 2 days/month skills with Flyers skills coach, actual summer training camp, ice time included starting in August, 2 tournaments, real Goalie coach on ice every practice. Uniform package another $700. Total $5900. Think of what you get with Tier 2 for $3450- 2 days on ice, 2 tournaments, 2 skills/month (if rink has ice time and doesn't jam all skills into September). Uniforms= $500. Total $4K. Now factor in ice time for extra work _$50/hour/week and summer camp costs. Totaled up you pay more at Tier 2 for less. We are Tier 2 this year and at $6100 with more than 1.5 months left until tryouts. We will probably spend another $600 on semi-private lessons until tryouts. Tier 1 is a better buy and if your kid is serious, better to get in Tier 1 now than wait and possibly be passed over. Parents that have not experienced 3 days of ice time/week have no idea how fast your child improves. Skating is the game at all levels no and the window to improve skating closes around 13-14 years of age. You can improve edges some and speed some, but your stride is complete once puberty hits. Better to perfect stride now to give your kid the best chance at success!