Let's be honest: you're not moving to the mountains just for the fresh air and the après-ski. You're there to work hard, save harder, and come home with a nest egg that makes your friends a little bit jealous.
Whether you're eyeing a winter in St. Anton am Arlberg, a summer in Zermatt, or a season in Sölden, understanding your pay structure is the difference between just surviving and genuinely thriving.
Austria: The 13th and 14th Salary Explained
If you've been researching seasonal jobs in Austria, you've probably stumbled across the concept of 'extra' salaries. This isn't a rumour — it's a legal requirement under the Austrian Kollektivvertrag (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
What are the 13th and 14th salaries?
- 13. Gehalt (Urlaubsgeld): A holiday bonus paid to support your summer break.
- 14. Gehalt (Weihnachtsgeld): A Christmas bonus, typically paid in November or December.
How does this work for seasonal workers?
On a fixed-term seasonal contract — say, December to April in Ischgl or Sölden — you won't complete a full 12-month working year. But you are still legally entitled to both bonuses on a pro-rata basis.
This means: for every month you work, you accumulate a proportional share of both the 13th and 14th salary. In most cases, these are paid out as a lump sum at the end of your contract — acting as a significant bonus check just before you head home.
Example: Work a 5-month winter season and you'll receive approximately 5/12ths of both bonuses on top of your regular monthly pay. On a €1,800/month salary, that can add €750–€900+ to your final payout.
Switzerland: Higher Base Pay and the L-GAV
Switzerland operates under the L-GAV (Landes-Gesamtarbeitsvertrag) — the national collective labour agreement for the hospitality sector. Key points:
- Higher base salaries: Monthly base pay in Swiss resorts (St. Moritz, Verbier, Gstaad) is typically higher than equivalent Austrian roles.
- 13th salary: Most Swiss seasonal contracts include a 13th-month payment, often calculated as an additional 8.33% added to your monthly gross wage.
- Favourable net pay: Depending on the Canton you work in, income tax rates can be lower — meaning your actual take-home ('Netto') is very attractive.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Why They're Your Best Friend
On SeasonHop, we specifically highlight fixed-term contracts (Befristetes Dienstverhältnis). Here's why they protect you:
- Financial certainty: You know exactly what you'll earn over the season.
- Bonus planning: You can calculate your 13th and 14th salary payouts in advance.
- Hour protection: Your employer cannot arbitrarily reduce your hours if the snow is late or bookings dip.
- Clear end date: Your life, visa status, and onward plans are clearly structured from day one.
Use Direct Chat to Clarify the 'Netto' Question
One of the biggest frustrations for seasonal workers in the Alps is not knowing what will actually land in their bank account after taxes, health insurance, and housing costs.
On SeasonHop's Direct Chat, ask the HR team in Lech or Crans-Montana directly — before you sign anything:
- "Is the advertised salary Brutto (gross) or Netto (net)?"
- "Are the 13th and 14th salaries included in the monthly figure, or paid separately at contract end?"
- "What is the exact monthly deduction for my room and meals?"
Ready to Earn What You Deserve?
The Alps offer some of the most financially rewarding hospitality opportunities in Europe. Your skills are worth a premium — and your contract should reflect that.
👉 Browse high-paying, transparent seasonal jobs in Austria and Switzerland — seasonhop.com