Thinking about a March trip to Switzerland and need to know about weather, skiing, things to do, and places to see? We’ve got you covered!
Switzerland in March is still winter. It’s cold yet sunny, with snow in abundance at the ski resorts and warmer weather creeping into the big cities. Skiing is still a major attraction all around Switzerland in March, but visitors should also add beautiful panoramic train rides and walking tours of major cities to their itineraries this month.
This big guide has all the details to make March in Switzerland spectacular – all you need to do is pack!
Switzerland Weather in March
March is a whimsical month that hangs in the balance between Winter and Spring. There will still be plenty of snow on the ground in most areas, though lower altitude regions may not have much at all. The temperatures will still be pretty chilly, with Winter winds still blowing at higher altitudes.
At the beginning of the month the weather will feel most like Winter, but most years March will feel closer to Springtime towards the end of the month. The ski resorts like Zermatt, which is at the highest altitude in the country, will see average March temperatures of 20˚F to 40˚F (-7˚C to 5˚C).
Lower areas and big cities like Bern and Zurich will have average March lows and highs around 31˚F to 50˚F (0˚C to 10˚C) throughout the day. It’s helpful to study the altitude of the cities you’re visiting, since this will often dictate the forecasted temperature and weather. It’s also important to remember that nights will be even colder on average than days, so a large coat and snow boots should still be on your list of things to pack.
Average March Temperature in Switzerland (By City)
City | Avg Low (°F) | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°C) | Avg High (°C) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zurich | 31.5 | 49.6 | -0.3 | 9.8 |
Geneva | 33.4 | 52.3 | 0.8 | 11.3 |
Basel | 32.9 | 52.5 | 0.5 | 11.4 |
Lausanne | 34 | 52.5 | 1.1 | 11.4 |
Bern | 30 | 49.8 | -1.1 | 9.9 |
Lucerne | 31.3 | 50.4 | -0.4 | 10.2 |
St. Gallen | 28.4 | 47.1 | -2 | 8.4 |
Lugano | 38.3 | 56.5 | 3.5 | 13.6 |
Interlaken | 26.2 | 49.5 | -3.2 | 9.7 |
Montreux | 34 | 53.1 | 1.1 | 11.7 |
Zermatt | 20.1 | 39.9 | -6.6 | 4.4 |
Grindelwald | 23.4 | 41.4 | -4.8 | 5.2 |
Davos | 13.6 | 36 | -10.2 | 2.2 |
Verbier | 22.6 | 41.5 | -5.2 | 5.3 |
St. Moritz | 12.4 | 37.4 | -10.9 | 3 |
Arosa | 17.2 | 39.6 | -8.2 | 4.2 |
Engelberg | 23.5 | 43.3 | -4.7 | 6.3 |
Wengen | 24.4 | 43.9 | -4.2 | 6.6 |
Gstaad | 23.2 | 41.9 | -4.9 | 5.5 |
Flims-Laax | 20.8 | 41 | -6.2 | 5 |
Switzerland Affordability & Crowds in March
February is the very peak of ski season, and March is a close second. March can still be pretty busy as skiers still flock to the slopes for that last bit of perfect conditions. Throughout the month, you’ll notice that crowd levels start to decrease leading into the Spring.
March is still a busier time of year in Switzerland, so there will most likely be plenty of people using public transport. The influx of visitors keeps the rates pretty high for accommodations, rentals and excursions, so this is not the best month to visit if you’re trying to stick to a lower budget for your vacation.
Switzerland is one of the most expensive places in the world to visit, and when the crowds are heavier, the prices are even higher. If this isn’t a problem, March is actually a very pleasant time to visit Switzerland as the weather is gorgeous and there are lots of activities and events going on all over the country.
Switzerland Snow & Skiing in March
March is a great month for skiing and snow quality. However, you’ll start to notice a difference in snow quality at the lower altitude regions and ski resorts. It’s also the month where a few resorts begin to shut down due to the lack of snow and early snowmelt in some cases. However, higher altitude resorts and ski areas are still operating at this time and can continue to receive fresh snow through the month of April.
It’ll be rare for larger and lower altitude cities to receive snow throughout the month, though not impossible. The most snow will be seen on the mountain peaks and in the mountain resorts during March.
Average March Snowfall in Switzerland (By Ski Resort)
Resort Name | Snowfall (in) | Snowfall (cm) | Summit Depth (in) | Summit Depth (cm) | Base Depth (in) | Base Depth (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verbier | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Zermatt | 23.6 | 60 | 78.7 | 200 | 23.6 | 60 |
St. Moritz | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 19.7 | 50 |
Davos | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Grindelwald | 27.6 | 70 | 78.7 | 200 | 27.6 | 70 |
Laax | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 15.7 | 40 |
Saas-Fee | 23.6 | 60 | 78.7 | 200 | 23.6 | 60 |
Gstaad | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 19.7 | 50 |
Andermatt | 27.6 | 70 | 78.7 | 200 | 27.6 | 70 |
Engelberg | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Crans-Montana | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 15.7 | 40 |
Flims | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 15.7 | 40 |
Lenzerheide | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 19.7 | 50 |
Leysin | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 15.7 | 40 |
Klosters | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Nendaz | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Adelboden | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 19.7 | 50 |
Villars | 19.7 | 50 | 55.1 | 140 | 19.7 | 50 |
Samnaun | 23.6 | 60 | 70.9 | 180 | 23.6 | 60 |
Wengen | 27.6 | 70 | 78.7 | 200 | 27.6 | 70 |
Best Switzerland Ski Resorts in March
March is part of peak ski season in Switzerland, therefore all of the country’s best resorts and ski areas will be open this month. We’ve compiled the best of the best with detailed information about what you can do at each location.
Zermatt
Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss ski town that sits right at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. It’s hard to recommend other resorts in Switzerland because Zermatt has everything you could possibly want in a perfect ski trip. Zermatt has the highest altitude in the country, 200 miles of groomers and access to Cervinia, Italy.
The slopes at Zermatt are suitable for all level of skiers, with winding freeride trails that seem to go on for miles – and they do! Zermatt has some of the longest runs from top to bottom, including connecting pathways at Breuil-Cervinia, Italy. You can access this connection point by taking the extensive gondola system all the way to the top of the Klein Matterhorn.
Some of the lifts and runs will lead skiers to one of the dozen great restaurants on the mountain that offer ski-in/ski-out access. Zermatt village also has great hospitality for a ski trip, embodying the old world feeling of Swiss tradition and culture.
Engelberg
Engelberg is an unassuming little town at the base of one of the regions coolest attractions. Mount Titlis is open to skiers and non-skiers all year long, but stays particularly busy through ski season. The mountain also happens to be close to Lucerne and Zurich, so it’s a great choice for a daytrip from either of these areas.
Mount Titlis has a variety of pistes that can accommodate all ability levels, but advanced skiers will prefer the freeriding terrain off-piste. There are nearly 50 miles of runs that fit this level, with a few expert runs dabbled in. Powderhounds will also love the snowpack here, and March is the perfect time to experience this.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is the best place to be if you want a high class vacation with excellent skiing and great snow conditions. The accommodations are stellar, the food is excellent and the atmosphere of luxury European flair is perfect for the skier who wants to see and be seen.
The weather is gorgeous this time of year and St. Moritz still has many runs open in March, so you won’t feel like anything is lacking. The intermediate terrain found here is second to none.
World Cup quality courses line the impeccable slopes at St. Moritz, allowing more adventurous skiers to try their hand at runs built for the pros. You can also head to Corviglia Snow Park for 30 different obstacles that will keep you busy all day long. However, any level of skier can find the right trails for them in Corvatsch and nearby Diavolezza.
Diavolezza
Diavolezza is one of the more advanced portions accessible from St. Moritz that is not for the faint of heart. It’s still got a great snowpack in March, so lots of skiers choose travel over to this area for some more powder. The adventurous off-piste runs are a thrill-seeker’s dream and powder hounds can get their fill of uncrowded backcountry skiing relatively close to the main Diavolezza ski area.
The summit offers several delicious dining options though this is somewhat of an isolated ski destination. There is not much in the way of long-term accommodations, but it’s a great choice for adding onto your ski trip from St. Moritz. You can get to Diavolezza via train, car or bus.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is one of the most highly recommended spots in Switzerland for vacation, no matter the time of year, but March happens to be one of the best months to go. The skiing is still great this time of year, plus you can experience a lot of Grindelwald’s top attractions under the beautiful blue bird sky. The town, despite its size, Grindelwald has some of the most thrilling experiences in Switzerland.
Grindelwald is placed at the base of the towering Eiger mountain and has several ski areas to choose from. The Bodmi Arena offers great beginner slopes and ski lessons for children to gain confidence before joining their parents on the blues at Grindelwald ski resort. Night skiing is even available on select nights when the weather permits.
This region is known for its reliable snow and lengthy runs from the top, giving skiers plenty of time on the snow instead of the lift. A great benefit of choosing Grindelwald as your base is the fact that your lift pass includes the connecting Wengen resort, plus you can see the Eiger glacier from the village or travel via cable car to see it up close.
Andermatt
Andermatt has undergone several big renovations in the last decade, which has helped to place it more on the map for skiers. Luxury accommodations have been built alongside the traditional Swiss chocolate box houses, small shops and local restaurants.
Andermatt resort does an excellent job of maintaining historic buildings and original woodwork all while keeping up to date with state-of-the-art renovations and facilities. One of the coolest parts of the renovation is the connecting railway that runs between Andermatt and Disentis for apres ski parties.
The slopes here mostly appeal to advanced and expert skiers who love the steep slopes and off-piste powder. Though it’s best for highly skilled skiers, there are still plenty of families and intermediate skiers that flock to Andermatt for the season, primarily due to the great snow conditions.
Villars-Sur-Ollon
Villars-Sur-Ollon is a Vaud canton ski resort that overlooks the Rhone valley. It’s an excellent option for a day trip if you’re vacationing near Lake Geneva. Sitting at the top center of the ski area is Bretaye, with nearly 70 miles of terrain that extends from Gryon, Les Diablerets and even over to Glacier 3000. You can also see the top of Mont Blanc from this ski area.
There are three different snow parks to explore at Villars-Sur-Ollon and over 25 miles of cross-country skiing here. The snow kindergarten is a great option for tiny beginners, and the adults will enjoy the apres-ski scene which is one of the best in the area.
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is only a short distance from Geneva and Lausanne, so it’ll usually accumulate a decent crowd, especially on the weekends. This resort is focused on good family fun with loads of activities for children, like Snow Island snow tubing park and the Chalet Alabama indoor action sports center. Despite the accommodations for little ones, Crans-Montana terrain is actually better suited for intermediate and advanced skiers.
The 86 miles of terrain may not have the reliable snow quality as others on this list, but Crans-Montana places a high priority on snow making capabilities and covers nearly a third of their runs with snow machines. The resort is also great for apres ski and nightlife, which is always an important part of your ski vacation.
Best Things to Do in Switzerland in March
The late Winter and early Spring weather you’ll see in March makes the perfect setting for some of Switzerland’s best attractions. Here are some of the recommended places and things to add to your bucket list for your Swiss vacation this month.
Ride the GoldenPass to Gruyere
Switzerland is exceptional when it comes to all forms of travel. While they may be most famous for their gondola systems, the Swiss have a knack for railway transport and we highly suggest you take the train anytime you can when traveling between destinations in and around Switzerland.
The Golden Pass railway travels between Interlaken and Lake Geneva and you can use this to get to the historic town of Gruyere. It’s a little detour off the main line, but you won’t want to skip this quaint town made famous for their cheese. Once you arrive, you’ll find a preserved medieval town with delightfully decadent cheese, chocolate and wine cafes sprinkled along the cobblestone streets.
To get here, you’ll want to take the train from Interlaken and get off at Montbovon. From Montbovon, you can take a local train into Gruyere. The first leg of the trip offers those beautiful panoramic views the GoldenPass is known for.
Visit Bern
Bern is Switzerland’s capital and is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic Medieval architecture. As a matter of fact, the Old Town is one of the best places to tour this time of year with the crisp Winter winds and sunny skies. Bern Minster should be at the top of your list when taking a walking tour of the Alstadt, or simply strolling along the ancient streets on your own.
As it is with big cities, there’s plenty of shopping, dining and touring to do on a visit to Bern. While you can fit some of the top attractions like the Einstein Museum or the Zytglogge into a short trip, a full week will give you the best the city has to offer. The Botanical Garden is also a great place to spend some time this month, as blooms begin to open up again in time for Spring.
For those wondering how the Swiss secret to great cheese, we recommend a trip to the Emmental Show Dairy where they teach you the step-by-step process of cheese making from local dairy cows. While you’re still intrigued by the Swiss process, check out the Designtour Langenthal to learn the art of Swiss interior and artistic design.
Take the Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is quite the experience, allowing passengers to take in the full expanse of the Swiss countryside on a long, pleasant train ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz. This magical railway has breathtaking views, especially in March when the snow is still on the ground and on the mountain peaks.
This particular route is perfect for skiers looking to experience both world class ski resorts, but it’s also a great bucket list opportunity to see snowy mountains, scenic alpine villages and even historic castles along the way. The train passes through 91 tunnels and crosses 291 mountain bridges, if you ride the full route.
You’ll notice there’s a big difference between GoldenPass prices and routes compared to that of the Glacier Express. The Glacier Express has a flat fee no matter the length of your journey, while the GoldenPass charges per leg.
Visit Ticino
Ticino is a canton in Switzerland that takes influence from their Italian neighbors. Not only is Ticino primarily Italian-speaking, it also shares a lot of similarities in architecture and climate. The city of Lugano is the Ticino region’s top recommended destination to visit, but other cities like Locarno and Ascona are also worth this visit. Some of Ticino’s top attractions include the Falconeria Locarno aviary, Galleria Baumgartner model train station and Monte San Giorgio fossil site, along with gorgeous churches and cathedrals.
Ticino is the warmest canton in Switzerland, so hiking is still possible here. A gorgeous Lake Maggiore hike from Tereno to Ascona should be considered for those who want to get sightseeing and exercise into their vacation. Another great hike is Ciosso Prato, which leads to the crystal cave housing thousands of crystals. Along the journey, you can discover what animals have been hiking with you by using the info boards to study their tracks.
Despite the relative warmth, there’s plenty of Winter sports in this canton, as well. Ice rinks are open in several cities, a snowshoe trail in Bosco Gurin, sledding in Nara and much more.
Visit Zurich
Zurich serves as one of the main hubs in Switzerland, propelling travelers to other parts of the country. But few people realize how much there is to do in this fascinating city, especially during the magical Winter season. Whether you choose to spend a day or a week here, there are almost too many things to choose from when visiting Zurich.
Not only does Zurich have an Old Town, like most Swiss cities, but it also has some of the best museums and cultural exhibits in the country. National Museum or Zoological Museum are two that we would recommend, along with a walking tour of the Alstadt. Cheese fondue is a staple in Winter, and lots of restaurants in Zurich will be serving up this Swiss specialty. Also, be sure to check out the Lindt Home of Chocolate where you can experience the nine foot chocolate fountain.
Zurich is also close in proximity to several ski resorts and public slopes. If you plan to stay here for a week, a day trip to one of these areas is definitely doable. If you want to stick closer to town, Zurich also has a public ice rink and hiking trails up Uetliberg Mountain.
See Mount Titlis
Mount Titlis serves as the main ski area for the small town of Engelberg, but visitors come from far and wide to see the breathtaking views from the top of the peak. The mountain towers over 3,200m above sea level and has Europe’s highest suspension bridge. It requires two cable car trips to reach the top, but visitors are in for a real treat when taking a day off the slopes to see this attraction.
We highly recommend going on a clear, sunny day in order to get the best experience trekking to the top, as well as the clearest views at the top. Once you’ve arrived, stunning scenery can be taken in at the viewing platform, but we recommend you brave the Titlis Cliff Walk to get the best panoramic views possible.
There’s also an ice tunnel called the Titlis Glacier Cave, plus a Glacier Park which can be reached by the Ice Flyer chairlift which are all included in your ticket. The tickets can be a little pricey, but worth it – just be sure to hold onto your ticket as you’ll have to scan it multiple times throughout the day.
March Events in Switzerland
Republic Day
Republic Day takes place every year on March 1 in the small canton of Neuchatel, commemorating the day in 1848 when they became a republic with the Swiss confederation. The holiday is celebrated by taking the day off of work to enjoy time spent with family. If you’re visiting this region be aware that all businesses and schools close for the holiday.
Engadin Ski Marathon
The Upper Engadin is the location for one of the largest cross-country ski marathons in the world. This is a giant annual event that hosts over 14,000 participants in several different races including the Half Marathon, Long Marathon and a Night Race. Cross-country skiers come from 65 different countries to participate each year and spectators can line up in specific areas of the race to watch.
St. Joseph’s Day
St. Joseph’s Day is a special holiday mostly celebrated in the Catholic regions of Switzerland. The day recognizes the acts of St. Joseph and his role as the human father of Jesus Christ. Most businesses remain open for the day, though there are a few that will close in celebration.
International Jazz Festival
Each year at the end of March, Bern hosts a huge Jazz festival. This giant 10-week festival is one big celebration of the genre where singers, musicians and composers come from all over the world to meet up and perform. The city is filled with Jazz musicians during this portion of the year and the sweet music can be heard everywhere from private showrooms to the city streets.
Conclusion
Switzerland may still be a bit of an expensive trip in March, but for those who want to enjoy the beautiful sunshine with sparkling snow covered mountains and countrysides, it’s the perfect month to go.
March has something to offer everybody, whether you choose to experience Mount Titlis in all its Wintery glory, book a full week of skiing adventures or take a walking tour through the Medieval Old Towns of Bern or Zurich.
This article is part of Roundtript’s series of expert Switzerland travel guides for every month of the year.
Spring in Switzerland | Summer in Switzerland | Fall in Switzerland | Winter in Switzerland |
---|---|---|---|
March | June | September | December |
April | July | October | January |
May | August | November | February |
For a summary of each Switzerland month & season all in one place, check out our big guide to the Best Times of the Year to Visit Switzerland.