15 Winter Fashion Staples Everyone Wears in the Swiss Alps—From $23

The very first time I visited Switzerland and got a glimpse of the snow-capped Alps, I knew I’d be back. In the past year, I’ve visited four different times, each trip taking me to a different location across the small country, from the shores of Lake Geneva to the “adventure capital” Interlaken. Most recently, I went skiing in the Swiss Alps, visiting mountain towns like Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz. While it was early in the season, the cold temperatures and snow had already descended upon these higher-elevation villages, and I was glad I packed some of my warmest winter coats, boots, and other essentials. 

When I’m traveling, I also always keep an eye on what other people at my destination are wearing. On this trip, I was particularly interested in how locals, as well as other tourists, dressed for the occasion. The style certainly changed by village—it’s relatively casual in Verbier; St. Moritz is more flashy and fashion-forward—but one fashion rule remained the same: everyone was prepared to combat the cold. Below, I rounded up 15 winter clothes and accessories I spotted in the Swiss Alps, from cozy layers to luxury labels. 

Best Winter Styles I Spotted in the Swiss Alps

Thermal base layers

Although not everyone is taking to the slopes in the Swiss Alps, many are, and any skier or snowboarder knows that the key to staying warm all day is thermal base layers. My Halfdays base layers weren’t out of place at après-ski activities, and I also wore the top on a chilly day exploring the village of Verbier. 

Fleece-lined leggings

Baleaf Thermal Fleece-lined Leggings

Leave your regular cotton leggings at home. Winter in Switzerland calls for something more substantial—namely, fleece-lined leggings. When I’m skiing, I’ll wear mine over my base layers for additional warmth; when I’m off the slopes, they’re perfect for a travel day or sightseeing around various villages.

Turtleneck sweaters

Anrabess Turtleneck Sweater

The next time I travel to the Alps during the winter, I think my suitcase will mostly contain turtlenecks, like this one from Amundsen Sports (a brand I spotted in Verbier) or this similar budget-friendly option. They’re the ideal layering piece, and they’re versatile enough to be worn with both casual pants—like leggings and joggers—and trousers. 

Vests

Zeagoo Sleeveless Quilted Puffer Vest

Layering is a popular dressing strategy in Switzerland. You might wake up to 20-degree Fahrenheit temperatures in the morning, but it’s a balmy 37 by the afternoon. That means you might need to add or shed layers throughout the day. One such layer I frequently saw throughout my trip was the classic puffer or fleece vest, a staple piece of outerwear you can throw on over your base layers or a sweater. 

Light mid-layer jackets

The Swiss have long dealt with the cold, so they’re used to the frigid winter temperatures. That said, you don’t see everyone dressed head to toe in their heaviest winter gear. Instead, many people are out and about in lighter jackets, the type skiers would consider as mid-layers. A lightweight fleece or down jacket does the trick to keep you warm without becoming overheated. 

Sturdy boots

Blundstone Original Water Resistant Chelsea Boot

The second I stepped off the train in Zermatt, I was grateful to be wearing a sturdy, waterproof pair of boots. To safely navigate the cobblestoned streets, often slick with ice and slush, you need footwear with solid traction—no one was stomping around in heels. I wore a pair of La Canadienne boots—similar to this brown suede style—but I could also easily see Blundstone boots fitting in well in this Alpine village. As long as your shoes are water-resistant and can handle some slightly treacherous terrain, you’ll be good. 

Insulated winter jacket

Even if you’re not ready to drop a thousand dollars on a ski jacket, you’ll still want to have some sort of insulated outerwear for exploring the Swiss Alps. You never know when a winter storm will arrive—and you don’t want to head to the top of a mountain or glacier without the proper gear. Just make sure you snag one that can handle some precipitation. 

Sweater dress

Anrabess Long-sleeve Mock Neck Sweater Dress

Gstaad and St. Moritz aside, most places in the Swiss Alps lean more casual. Still, this is Switzerland, and most people show up in timeless staples—very “old money,” if you will. In situations where dressing up is the norm, you’ll see a range of different looks, but something like a simple sweater dress is both sensible and stylish.

Beanies

At both an après-ski bar in Verbier and a slopeside fondue spot in Zermatt, beanies were everywhere. Everyone, both tourist and local, wanted to trap in as much body heat as possible while sipping a mulled wine or enjoying a fondue outside. 

Fashion-forward ski jackets and pants

Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody

St. Moritz is the type of place where stylish (and often expensive) ski gear is the norm. You regularly see a range of luxury outdoor brands—from Arc’teryx and Goldbergh to Mackage and Bogner. I also noticed several fellow skiers in Perfect Moment, which inspired me to stop by the store in Verbier to check out the styles for myself.

Warm wool socks

Smartwool Crew Socks

The Swiss Alps are not the place you want to bring your worn-out cotton ankle socks. Instead, everyone wears high-quality socks, preferably ones made out of Merino wool, like these Smartwool crew socks. Temperatures are frequently below freezing, but when you’re walking around these often hilly villages, your feet tend to sweat. Read: you want socks that are cozy and simultaneously moisture-wicking. 

Elevated loungewear

Villages like St. Moritz and Zermatt are known for their luxe accommodations, many of which are just a short walk from the ski areas. At these types of five-star hotels, guests are usually outfitted in their finest loungewear—when they’re not in ski gear, of course. Think neutral colors and matching sets, maybe accented by a cushioned pair of hotel slippers. 

Fair Isle sweaters

If there’s a time and a place for a Fair Isle sweater, it’s the Swiss Alps in the winter. It works just as well for a casual morning as it does for a slightly fancier hotel restaurant dinner (just add a dressier pair of pants for the night). Feel free to only pack one or two, though; sweaters take up a significant amount of room in a suitcase. 

Fur accessories

It’s a common occurrence to spot people wearing fur out and about in Switzerland. The material is not only statement-making, but it’s also warm and naturally breathable. Lined gloves or fuzzy headbands will help stave off the cold and keep your hands, ears, and neck nice and toasty. 

Protective eyewear

Smith Optics Venture

If there’s one accessory you need on you at all times in the Alps, it’s a pair of sunglasses. Preferably ones with UV protection. After all, the sun and bright white snow can cause some serious glare. I’m personally a fan of the Vallon Glacier sunglasses (the leather side shields help block the wind), but this style from Smith Optics would also help you blend in with the crowd.

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