Cold, Moody, and Still Amazing: What to Do in Switzerland from January to May





The stretch from January to May in Switzerland is a weird, wonderful in-between. The holidays are over, but winter isn’t done with you. Spring is trying to break through, but it’s not in any rush. One day you’ll get bright sun and blue skies, the next you're wondering if it's actually colder than it was in December. If you're studying or living abroad during this time, it can feel long, grey, and a little unpredictable—but there’s still a lot to do if you know where to look.

1. Try Skiing (or At Least Pretend To)

Even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, now’s your chance. Switzerland’s ski season runs strong through March (and sometimes beyond). You don’t have to be good. You don’t even have to ski. Just being in the Alps, riding a gondola up to the slopes, and sipping hot chocolate at the top is an experience. And for beginners, many resorts have affordable lesson packages or “beginner zones” where you can fall over with dignity.

2. Take a Panoramic Train Ride

Not a fan of snow sports? Sit back and let the views come to you. Panoramic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express are running year-round and give you that postcard version of Switzerland without the frostbite. Huge windows, snow-covered peaks, cozy vibes. Worth every franc.

3. Visit the Top of Europe (Even Without Skis)

You don’t have to ski to enjoy Switzerland’s mountaintop magic. Ride the train up to Jungfraujoch, walk through the ice tunnels, and take in the views from Europe’s highest train station. No lift pass needed.

4. Explore Winter Towns Straight Out of a Snow Globe

January through March is peak cozy-chalet season. Towns like Grindelwald, Wengen, or Zermatt are extra charming with snow-lined streets and wood-framed houses straight out of a fairytale. You don’t need an agenda—just wander, snack, and soak it in.

5. Catch a Light Show or Carnival Parade

Swiss cities know how to light up the winter. In Luzern, LILU Light Festival brightens January with glowing installations all over the old town. Then in February, everything goes wild with Fasnacht—Switzerland’s version of carnival. Basel, Luzern, and Zurich all host parades that are loud, weird, colorful, and so much fun. Leave a comment if you want to hear about my personal Fasnacht experience—it was crazy.

6. Start Sensing Spring (Kind Of)

By April, the weather starts teasing you with warmth—but don’t fall for it. You might spend an afternoon by the lake, but bring a jacket. Food festivals and local events slowly begin popping up. You’ll feel it: the country starts waking up again.

7. Ease Back Into Hiking

Some trails start to open again in late April and early May—but always check before you go. Snow lingers in higher altitudes, and many paths stay closed until mid-May. That said, you can still find lower-elevation walks or try lake hikes that stay accessible year-round.

8. Join the Crowd (Literally) for City Races

If you’re feeling active and want to blend in with the locals, join a city race like Luzern Stadtlauf. It’s more vibe than competition—just good energy, live music, and a fun way to shake off the winter blues.

9. Need a Break From Swiss Life? Travel Cheap

Swiss prices got you down? Hop across the border. You can easily take day trips to Germany or France for less than 20 CHF round trip. Yes, really. If you want the details, drop a comment below and I’ll share my favorite budget-friendly border escapes.

No matter what the weather’s doing—or how many seasons you get in one week—Switzerland between January and May is full of opportunities to explore, stay active, and keep your study abroad experience interesting. You just need to stay flexible, keep a sense of humor, and always pack a scarf.


Want more tips or stories?
Comment below if you're curious about how I plan my 20 CHF cross-border trips—or if you want the full rundown of Luzern’s carnival chaos. Trust me, you’ll want to hear it.

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