Winter at its best
If there is one thing Switzerland is great at, it is winter. And January is the perfect proof. The ski resorts run at full capacity, the walking trails are groomed, and everywhere you look people are outdoors. Skiing, cross-country, sledding, winter hiking — pick your flavour.
But there is one thing you might not have tried yet: snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing, what is that exactly?
Snowshoeing is basically walking, but with special snowshoes strapped under your feet. They look a little like tennis rackets for your boots. The advantage? You do not sink into the snow and you can reach places where regular winter walks simply cannot take you.
The great part is that it is surprisingly accessible. You do not have to be a seasoned mountain athlete to enjoy it. Switzerland has more than 1,200 kilometres of marked snowshoe routes, so there is plenty for every level.
You can rent snowshoes at stores like Transa or Bächli, and you can often pick them up right at the ski area. Day rental typically costs under 20 francs.
A few things to keep in mind: always research your route before you head out. Check whether it is actually suited for snowshoeing and whether there is avalanche risk. Areas like Melchsee-Frutt have clearly marked snowshoe trails where you can walk safely. Always check conditions before you leave.
Our weekend in Grindelwald
January is also when we run our biggest community event of the winter: the takeoff weekend in Grindelwald. With a group of 27 physiotherapists, we spend a whole weekend enjoying everything the mountains have to offer.
Skiing, sledding, cross-country, winter hiking, and above all: being together. That is what it is about.
Want to stay in the loop about weekends like this and other activities? Keep an eye on our community page and our WhatsApp group. That is where we share new plans and events first.
Because that might be the best part about working in Switzerland as a physiotherapist: you are not on your own. There are always people around you going through the same experience, dealing with the same challenges and looking for the same adventures.
January as a reset month
Beyond all the outdoor activity, January is also a month to pause. No new-year-resolution pressure, but a simple check-in: how are things at work? How do you feel here? What do you need for the months ahead?
For many physiotherapists, January is a moment to rebuild structure. Picking up a rhythm at work, taking sports seriously again, making plans for time off or holidays. You might also notice that homesickness can hit a bit harder this month. That is normal. The holidays are over and that cosy feeling of home fades for a while.
That is exactly why it helps to actively choose things that give you energy. Whether that is being outside, connecting with others or simply resting: it is all fine. Everyone has their own way of getting through January, and yours is good as it is.
If you notice that something is weighing on you or you just want to catch up with other physios who made the same move, know that you are always welcome in our community. You will always find someone who gets what you are going through. Sometimes that alone is enough.
To wrap up
January does not have to be a dull in-between month. In Switzerland it is a period full of winter, movement and connection. Whether you head straight into the snow, join a community event or quietly find your rhythm again: it all works.
Here is to a great new year. Together.
Want to know more about working and living as a physiotherapist in Switzerland?
See how we help or get in touch. We would love to help you out.
