Techniques for synchronizing snapshot operations in a distributed consistency group of storage volumes. The disclosed techniques employ a schedule of discrete snapshot operations (e.g., pausing I/O requests from host computers, taking snapshots of storage volumes, un-pausing the I/O requests), which is provided to storage appliances storing the storage volumes within the distributed consistency group. By pre-scheduling such discrete snapshot operations to be performed by the storage appliances, an amount of real-time communications (e.g., issuing snapshot commands, receiving snapshot acknowledgements) required to complete the snapshot operations is reduced, allowing data storage systems to more easily satisfy I/O time-out requirements and avoid application unresponsiveness and/or crashes.