So you've decided to trade your regular schedule for a winter in the snow-capped peaks of Austria or a summer in the pristine valleys of Switzerland. First: excellent decision. Second: let's make sure you do it properly.
Whether you're coming from Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Morocco, or anywhere else, this is SeasonHop's complete guide to landing your first Alpine season in 2026 — without the horror stories.
Step 1: Pick Your Playground — Austria vs. Switzerland
Austria — The Energy and the Perks
Resorts like Ischgl, St. Anton am Arlberg, Saalbach, and Sölden are famous for high-energy hospitality, legendary après-ski, and a very social staff culture. The financial highlight: the 13. Gehalt and 14. Gehalt — extra monthly salaries paid pro-rata at the end of your contract under the Austrian Kollektivvertrag.
Switzerland — The Premium Option
Think St. Moritz, Verbier, Gstaad, Zermatt. Higher base salary, governed by the strict L-GAV collective agreement. Net earnings — especially in lower-tax Cantons — can be significantly better than equivalent Austrian roles.
Step 2: Understand Your Contract (This Is Not Optional)
On SeasonHop, we prioritise fixed-term contracts (Befristetes Dienstverhältnis). Before you sign anything, verify these five things:
- Exact start and end dates: Essential for travel planning, visa status, and Anmeldung.
- Working hours: Standard is 40–48 hours per week over 5–6 days.
- Brutto vs. Netto: Confirm your actual take-home pay after taxes, insurance, and housing deductions.
- 13th and 14th salary: Confirm whether they're included in the monthly rate or paid separately at contract end.
- Notice period: Understand the terms under which either party can exit the contract early.
Use SeasonHop's Direct Chat to get all of these answers in writing before you pack a single bag.
Step 3: Avoid the Housing Trap
The SeasonHop rule: only apply to jobs with Verified Room Photos. You deserve to know whether you have a private bathroom, how many people share your room, and what the common areas look like before you commit to a five-month contract. This is not a luxury — it is a baseline.
Step 4: Build a Squad
Use the SeasonHop Squad feature to:
- Find other workers heading to the same resort or region
- Apply as a pair or small group — many hotels actively prefer this
- Coordinate travel, share tips, and arrive with a group chat already running
Step 5: Master the Direct Approach
On SeasonHop, you talk to hotels directly via chat. Before you start those conversations, have the following ready:
- A professional profile photo
- Your key experience (Gastronomie, kitchen, housekeeping, front desk)
- Any relevant certifications (food hygiene, language qualifications)
- Your Squad information, if applicable
- Your availability window and preferred location(s) — be specific, it makes you stand out
Step 6: Packing — The Pro List
- Quality work shoes: 8–12 hours a day on hard floors. Do not underestimate this.
- Universal power adapter: Especially if you're moving between Austria and Switzerland.
- EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Non-negotiable if you're an EU citizen working abroad.
- Patience for the first two weeks: Push through week two and everything gets better — every veteran will tell you this.
Your Season Starts Here
The mountains are calling. No agencies, no hidden rooms, no mystery salaries. Just you, your squad, and the best hospitality jobs in Europe.
👉 Create your SeasonHop profile and find your 2026 season — seasonhop.com