Chasing the Sun: How a Greek Navigates Swiss Winters

As someone born and raised in the Mediterranean, I used to think winter meant  wearing a jacket in the morning only to remove it 2 hours later, for a total of 2 months in a year. Fast forward to Switzerland, where winter is basically six months of feeling like a human popsicle, and I quickly realized: I was not ready. From the endless grey skies to the snow that refuses to melt, adapting to Swiss winters was a challenge. But over time, I’ve discovered ways to not just survive but actually enjoy winter in this Alpine wonderland. If you, too, are a sun-loving expat wondering how the Swiss do it, here are my tried-and-tested winter survival tips.

Try All Kinds of Swiss Winter Sports

Sure, skiing is the national sport here, but if you are like me, and you have never skied in your life, you might want to give it a shot (if only to finally understand what all the hype is about). But fear not—there’s plenty more to do in the mountains besides strapping two planks to your feet and hoping for the best.

• Tobogganing: Sledding isn’t just for kids; especially when you do it at night on a floodlit track with hairpin turns that make you question all your life choices. It’s chaotic, it’s fast, and it’s ridiculously fun.
• Zip-lining in the Snow: If flying above Alpine landscapes at high speeds while bundled up in five layers sounds like your kind of thrill, then you need to try a winter zip-line. The views are unreal, and it’s an incredible way to experience the mountains without actually skiing.
• Simply Soaking Up the Sun: Sometimes, the best winter activity is sitting on a sunny terrace in the mountains, sipping an Aperol Spritz, and pretending it’s summer. It’s the ultimate Mediterranean approach to winter sports: exert minimal effort, maximize enjoyment. Personally, that is my favorite activity.

Bad Weather? No Problem

• Café-Bookshops: There’s nothing better than curling up with a hot drink in a hidden bookshop café. Zurich has some charming ones where you can sip tea, read, and pretend the blizzard outside isn’t happening.
• Thermal Spas: Switzerland has amazing hot springs where you can soak in steaming pools while it snows around you. There are so many options all over the country, so you can for sure find one that fits to your location and budget.
• Fondue Nights: Melted cheese fixes everything. I often like to do fondue at home, it is so nice to have people over and enjoy a night in. You can buy a fondue set in almost every grocery store here, as well as all kinds of cheese mixes.
• Second-Hand Shopping: I was so surprised when I moved here with the amount of amazing pieces you can find at second-hand stores. In smaller cities I have come across shops that sell premium brands for extremely low prices. So when a rainy weekend comes along, it’s always nice to cure our shopping addiction with some sustainable shopping.

Get Into the Swiss Winter Festival Spirit

Winter in Switzerland isn’t just about staying warm, it’s also about wild traditions:

• Basel Fasnacht: A 3-day carnival where you’ll be bombarded with confetti at 4 AM by masked musicians. It’s loud, bizarre, and a must-experience.
• Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex: Watch the sky fill with colorful balloons while sipping mulled wine…it’s as magical as it sounds.
• Solothurn’s Chesslete: Locals in white nightgowns run through the streets clanging cowbells to chase away winter’s “evil spirits.” Honestly? I’m all for it.

Beat the Winter Blues with a Mediterranean Twist

Embracing multiculturality, for me, means not only immersing myself in Switzerland’s traditions but also sharing Greek culture and exchanging experiences with people from all over the world. Switzerland is full of diverse communities, making it the perfect place to celebrate and learn from different cultures. And while techno parties can be fun, why not bring a bit of home to the Alps?

• International Winter Parties: Many cities host expat meet-ups or themed events where you can dance, mingle, and share the winter survival struggle with like-minded people.
• International Food Gatherings: Organise a dinner where everyone brings a dish from their home country. It’s the best way to taste the world while escaping the cold. (More on that coming soon…)

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Winter Magic

Yes, winter in Switzerland can be long, dark, and aggressively cold, but it’s also full of unique experiences, cozy moments, and crazy traditions that make it unforgettable. Especially if you grew up in a warmer country, the amount of snow will make you feel like a small kid and fill your heart with glee. So, fellow sun-lovers, let’s chase the sun wherever we can, even if it’s just in our hearts (or our thermostats set to 25°C). Stay warm, and häb Sorg!

Up next: Cultural Shocks: Adjusting to Swiss Life

Also Check out my previous post about being new in Switzerland :

New In Switzerland? The Ultimate survival Guide for Expats

All photos taken by the author.