Working in the Alps in summer is not the same as a beach job. At 1,500-3,000m, the weather is unpredictable: warm at midday, cold by evening, thunderstorms arriving fast. Your packing list looks different from winter - no ski gear, lighter layers - but the fundamentals stay the same: dress for the mountain, not just the season.
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)
- Work permit, visa, or WHV documentation (non-EU nationals - see the work permits guide)
- Travel/health insurance documents
- Criminal record check / DBS certificate (if required for your role)
- Any relevant qualifications (outdoor guide cert, first aid 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.
Health insurance: EHIC covers emergency treatment but is not a substitute for local health insurance. For stays over 3 months in Switzerland, you are legally required to take out your own Swiss health insurance policy (KVG / Krankenkasse) - your employer does not arrange this for you. In Austria and France, your employer's social contributions enrol you automatically once your contract starts. For the period before your contract starts, SafetyWing or World Nomads cover the gap. See the health insurance guide for the full picture.
Clothing: the layering principle still applies
Mountain conditions at altitude require layers in summer too. The difference is weight: you need moisture-wicking, not heavily insulating. The system is the same - base layer → mid layer → outer layer - but each piece is lighter.
Base layers
- 1-2 lightweight moisture-wicking base layer tops (merino wool is still worth it - temperature regulation and odour resistance; you can wear it multiple days)
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal leggings (for cold mornings, high-altitude work, or evening hiking)
- Wool or moisture-wicking socks × 5-7 pairs
Mid layers
- 1 light fleece or insulating jacket (mountain evenings drop to 5-10°C even in July; a fleece is the difference between comfortable and miserable)
- 2-3 short-sleeve or lightweight long-sleeve tops
Outer layer
- 1 waterproof and windproof jacket (essential - afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in the Alps; this is not optional regardless of role)
- 1 pair of waterproof or quick-dry hiking trousers
- 1-2 pairs of shorts for warm days and time off
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.
- Outdoor guide: employer usually provides branded outerwear. Bring your own base layers and hiking boots.
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, lightweight long-sleeves)
- 2-3 pairs of casual trousers or shorts
- 1 warm jumper or heavier fleece (for cold evenings - it gets chilly even in summer)
- 1 smarter outfit for evenings out (this matters more than you think at premium resorts)
- Underwear × 7 days
- 1 warm hat (for early mountain starts or high-altitude days)
- 1 sun hat or cap (direct sun at altitude is intense all day)
- 1 pair of warm gloves (for cold early starts on mountain terrain)
- 1 neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses (UV protection is serious at altitude - more so than at sea level)
Footwear
- Hiking boots (ankle-high, waterproof, with good grip): essential for summer alpine work. Wet trails, loose rock, and uneven terrain punish low-cut shoes. Break them in before you arrive - new boots cause blisters fast. Do not count on buying these in a resort town; selection is limited and prices are high.
- Non-slip kitchen/work shoes (if applicable - see above)
- Sandals or lightweight slip-ons for the staff house and warm days off
You do not need après boots, ski boots, or heavy winter footwear.
Toiletries and health
Pack for 2-4 weeks; restock locally:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (mountain UV is intense - higher altitude means less atmospheric filtering, snow patches and rock faces reflect additional UV; buy before you go, resort shops charge double)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent (useful at lower altitudes and in forested areas; less of an issue above the treeline, but worth having)
- Moisturiser (dry mountain air affects skin noticeably)
- Blister treatment (compeed or similar - essential for the first weeks in new hiking boots)
- 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 and outdoor work mean faster dehydration; aim for at least 1 litre capacity)
Tech and practical
- Laptop or tablet (for contracts, banking, entertainment in the staff house)
- Phone charger and universal adapter (Switzerland uses Type J plugs, 3-pin - not compatible with the standard EU plug)
- 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
- Ski jacket, ski trousers, ski boots: irrelevant in summer. Leave them at home entirely.
- Heavy winter thermals: one lightweight set is enough. Full insulating base layers are too warm for summer conditions.
- Excessive casual clothing: your wardrobe will mostly be work clothes + outdoor 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 that matters to you as a chef).
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 in Switzerland; A1 and Magenta in Austria; Free Mobile and Orange in France; Iliad and TIM in Italy.
- REGA membership (Switzerland): CHF 40/year. Mountain emergencies happen year-round - hiking accidents, bad weather, injury. Members are typically not billed for rescue operations. Buy before your first day on mountain terrain.
- Alpine Club membership: SAC (Switzerland), OeAV (Austria), CAI (Italy), or FFCAM (France). Includes rescue coverage, mountain hut discounts, and access to trail maps. Reciprocal coverage across national clubs.
- Swisstopo app (Switzerland/Austria): detailed topographic maps; CHF ~30/year subscription. Useful for outdoor guide work or hiking routes; free alternative is komoot.
- Employer activities: many summer resorts offer staff discounts on hiking passes, mountain bike access, or climbing sessions. Ask your employer before buying passes independently.
The weight check
A well-packed summer kit should come in well under 18kg. You're not carrying ski gear, so there's no excuse for overpacking. You're in a small room or shared accommodation - space is limited. The things you genuinely can't source easily in a resort are specific medications, well-fitting hiking boots, and quality base layers at reasonable prices. Prioritise those. Everything else can wait until you see your specific situation.
Partner disclosures
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