Packing for the alpine spring
It is sunny in the valley and snowing on the ridge. Pack accordingly.
Spring in the Alps is two seasons stacked vertically. In the valley the cherry trees are flowering. Three thousand metres up, last week's storm is still drifting against the cairns.
Bring layers, in this order: a light merino base, a fleece mid, a packable down jacket, and a hard shell. You will probably use every one of them in a single day.
Two more things travellers underestimate: sunglasses (snow reflects UV faster than your skin notices) and trail-grip running shoes for muddy lower paths. Heavier boots earn their keep only when there is real snow.