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)
- 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 (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.
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
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
Ski boots are available to rent at every resort. Well-fitted boots of your own are worth it for daily use on the mountain - rental boots rarely fit as well.
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 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
- Full set of ski/snowboard gear: skis and boards are heavy and rentable. Only bring your own skis or board if you have quality 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 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. Members are typically not billed for helicopter rescue operations - essential for anyone working in Swiss mountain terrain. Buy before your first ski day.
- Alpine Club membership: SAC (Switzerland), OeAV (Austria), CAI (Italy), or FFCAM (France). Includes rescue coverage and discounts at mountain huts. Reciprocal coverage across national clubs.
- 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 in a small room or shared accommodation - space is limited. 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.