The Alps reward the well-prepared. Weather can pivot from bright sun to snow flurry within an afternoon, so the golden rule is layering — merino base, insulating mid, weatherproof shell.
Footwear matters more than most travellers expect. A pair of grippy, broken-in boots will carry you from cobbled villages to lakeside promenades in comfort and in style.
The surprising essential? Sunglasses. Alpine light bouncing off snow and water is dazzling, and a good pair transforms a squint into a swoon.
Finally, leave room. Swiss chocolatiers and watchmakers have a way of following you home, and you'll want the space.
