December has arrived again: the month of cosy Christmas markets, twinkling lights and your first days back on the slopes. And if skiing is not really your thing, there is plenty more to do.
1. Skip the skis: sledding in December
Not everyone loves to ski, and you do not have to. Switzerland has fantastic toboggan runs that are just as much fun and often kinder to your knees and hips. Sledding keeps you active through the winter without hammering your joints. A few places worth the trip:
Melchsee-Frutt. An impressive 8 km run through winter forests and open landscapes, with panoramic views. Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced sledders. Tip: you can also go night sledding here.
Grindelwald Bussalp. One of the longest sleigh runs in Europe. The route winds along spectacular ridgelines and is perfect if you want a longer, sporty descent. More info.
Rigi Kulm. A more accessible run with a beautiful view over the Lake Lucerne region. Ideal for a short winter activity combined with a scenic lookout. More info.
Sledding gives you the winter experience without skis, and it works for families, friends, or anyone looking for a slightly calmer winter-sports day.
2. Ski like Santa for CHF 5: Opening Session in Verbier
At the 4 Vallées (Verbier) ski resort, you can ski for a whole day for just CHF 5 during the Opening Session. The catch: you have to turn up dressed as Santa or Saint Nicolas. This festive season opener turns the slopes into one big red-and-white parade of grinning skiers.
The atmosphere is unhinged in the best way, and it is an ideal way to kick December off in motion. There are several ticket options, including a combination that covers your train ride too. A rare chance to start the ski season for next to nothing. Tickets here.
Physio tip: dress-up skiing is fun, but do take a few minutes for a proper warm-up. A short mobility session for hips, knees and back prevents silly injuries and makes for a smoother day on the slopes.
3. December traditions in Switzerland
December in Switzerland is full of traditions that may look familiar at first glance, but have their own local twist.
Samichlaus (December 6). Samichlaus visits on December 6 with his helper Schmutzli. Children usually get tangerines, nuts and chocolate rather than the big gift exchanges some countries associate with this date.
Escalade (December 12, Geneva). A historic celebration where chocolate cauldrons, the famous marmites, are smashed open. The tradition lives mainly in Geneva and dates back to the 1602 victory over Savoy troops.
Christmas and New Year's Eve. Christmas here is often a quieter affair, centred on warm family dinners. New Year's Eve, or Silvester, is when the mountain resorts come alive: torchlight hikes, mountain fireworks and winter-walking events. An atmosphere you rarely find outside the Alps.
Christmas markets. Zurich becomes a wintry city of lights in December, with several Christmas markets spread through the city centre. The best-known ones sit inside the Hauptbahnhof, on Sechseläutenplatz and throughout the old town. Most run from around November 20 until December 23 or 24.
Lucerne also glows during Advent. The Christmas market on Franziskanerplatz, in the middle of the charming old town, is famous for its warm atmosphere and local crafts. It usually runs from early December through December 21. Rudolf's market sits right next to the station.
In Bern you will find charming markets at Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz, where wooden stalls, craft products and regional delicacies take centre stage. Most Bernese markets start around November 28 and run until December 24.
Wondering how your move to Switzerland could look, or what it takes to find work as a physio here? Feel free to get in touch.
