Most "what to pack for a ski season" guides are written for holidaymakers. You're not a holidaymaker — you're moving to a mountain for four to six months to work. The calculus is different: you need to live out of a bag or a small room, dress appropriately for both work and the mountain, and not spend the first paycheck replacing things you should have brought.
This list is for workers. It assumes you'll have access to laundry facilities and a small room with basic storage.
Documents (the non-negotiables)
Carry originals and store digital copies in the cloud:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date)
- National ID card (EU nationals — accepted at many Alpine borders and for registration)
- Your signed employment contract (printed)
- EHIC card (EU/EEA nationals)
- Travel/health insurance documents
- Criminal record check / DBS certificate (if required for your role)
- Any relevant qualifications (ski instructor cert, childcare qualification, food hygiene certificate)
- Bank details for payroll setup
- Emergency contact information
Keep a photo of everything on your phone and a copy in your email.
Clothing: the layering principle
Mountain weather and resort work require layers — not one heavy jacket. The system: base layer → mid layer → outer layer. This works for the mountain and can be adapted for travel days.
Base layers
- 2–3 thermal base layer tops (merino wool is worth the investment — it regulates temperature and resists odour, so you can wear it multiple days)
- 2 thermal leggings
- Wool or thermal socks × 5–7 pairs
Mid layers
- 1 fleece or insulating jacket (this is your main warmth layer on the mountain)
- 1–2 long-sleeve shirts or lightweight jumpers
Outer layer
- 1 waterproof and windproof ski jacket (essential — if you don't own one, buy it before you go; resort shops charge a premium)
- 1 pair of ski trousers or waterproof outer trousers
- You do not need multiple ski jackets. One good one is enough.
Work clothing
Your employer will typically specify what to wear. Common setups:
- Kitchen: employer provides aprons and sometimes chef whites. Bring black trousers (2 pairs) and non-slip kitchen shoes.
- Service: employer usually provides or specifies uniform. Bring smart black trousers and black shoes.
- Housekeeping: employer provides uniform. Bring comfortable, movement-friendly underlayers.
- Reception: employer specifies. Usually business casual with employer's branded piece on top.
Bring work shoes that you're comfortable in for long shifts. Do not rely on buying these in a resort town — selection is limited and prices are high.
General clothing
- 5–7 everyday tops (t-shirts, long-sleeves)
- 2–3 pairs of casual trousers / jeans
- 1 smarter outfit for evenings out (this matters more than you think at premium resorts)
- Underwear × 7 days
- 1–2 warm hats
- Gloves × 2 pairs (one for work/commuting, one for skiing)
- Neck gaiter or buff × 1
- Sunglasses (UV protection is serious at altitude)
- Goggles (if you ski or snowboard)
Footwear
- Non-slip kitchen/work shoes (if applicable — see above)
- Waterproof walking boots or après boots for everyday resort use. Normal trainers become useless in 20cm of snow.
- Flip flops or slippers for the staff house
You do not need to bring ski boots. They are heavy, highly personal to fit, and available to rent at every resort.
Toiletries and health
Pack for 2–4 weeks; restock locally:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (mountain sun + snow reflection = serious burn risk even in winter — buy before you go, resort shops charge double)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser (dry mountain air affects skin noticeably)
- Altitude headache remedy (ibuprofen or paracetamol — common in the first few days above 1,500m)
- Any prescription medication — bring a full season's supply or a letter from your doctor to obtain it locally
- Reusable water bottle (high altitude means faster dehydration)
Tech and practical
- Laptop or tablet (for contracts, banking, entertainment in the staff house)
- Phone charger and universal adapter (Switzerland uses its own plug type, not standard EU)
- Portable power bank
- Headphones (staff house living rewards noise isolation)
- A good book or e-reader (when the WiFi inevitably fails)
What not to bring
- Full set of ski/snowboard gear: skis, boards, and boots are heavy and rentable. Only bring your own if you have high-performance kit you specifically want to use.
- Excessive casual clothing: your wardrobe will mostly be work clothes + mountain gear. Space is limited.
- Hair dryer: most staff rooms have one or there's a shared one. Confirm before packing.
- Half your kitchen: staff houses have basics. Pack only personal favourites (coffee, specific tea, a good knife if you're a chef who cares about that sort of thing).
What to buy when you arrive
Some things are better sourced locally or after you know your specific situation:
- Local SIM card: essential. Get one in the first day or two. Roaming costs add up. Sunrise and Salt are good options in Switzerland; A1 and Magenta in Austria.
- REGA membership (Switzerland): CHF 40/year for helicopter rescue coverage. Buy online before your first ski day.
- Alpine Club membership: SAC, OeAV, CAI, or FFCAM depending on your country. Includes rescue coverage and discounts at mountain huts.
- Ski pass: your employer may provide or subsidise this — confirm before buying independently.
The weight check
Most staff arrive with too much. If your bag weighs over 20kg, rethink it. You're living in a small room, not a house. And if you forgot something important, resort towns have shops — expensive ones, but they exist. The things you genuinely can't get easily in a resort are specific medications, quality base layers at reasonable prices, and good non-slip work shoes. Prioritise those.