As February in Switzerland comes to a close, expats in the alpine nation should expect some major changes in the next 31 days. From the beginning of spring to the end of the ski season, here are six things expats need to know about in March 2022.

1. COVID restrictions in Switzerland to end by April

On February 16, 2022, the Federal Council announced that the majority of COVID restrictions would be scrapped, as the epidemiological situation improves in Swiss healthcare. Long-lasting measures like mask mandates, COVID certificates and travel restrictions were scrapped as Switzerland moves tentatively out of the pandemic.

The only measures that remain are a mask mandate in Swiss hospitals and on public transport, as well as a requirement to isolate for five days if you test positive for COVID-19. However, the days of these restrictions may also be numbered.

Current plans have all COVID related restrictions expiring at the end of March, more than two years after the pandemic began.

2. The Swiss parliament is in session

For those that live and breathe politics, it's good to know that the Swiss parliament is now back in session. After a break over the winter, those within the Swiss government will continue to enact policies, debate and most likely argue.

Agenda items for this session include COVID related legislation, debates over a “Glacier” referendum and whether Switzerland should assume a position on the UN security council. Other legislation includes caps on salaries for publicly-run companies and livestock legislation.

3. Tax return deadline in Switzerland approaches

It’s that time of year again! For most families in Switzerland, the end of March marks the deadline for submitting your tax return. Unless you plan on requesting an extension, your tax declaration is due on March 31.

4. Swiss Fasnacht gets into full swing

If you encounter a large group of people marching through the streets of a Swiss city, dressed in costume and playing out-of-tune music, you will have encountered a carnival or Fasnacht celebration.

Some of the best places to experience Fasnacht are in Switzerland. As it is one of the few times when most Swiss let their hair down, it is a must-see for any expat.

5. Remember to rewind the clocks

Switzerland will wake up a little earlier on Sunday, March 27, as the country moves to daylight saving time (DST). At precisely 2am, Swiss clocks will move forward an hour with their customary precision, beginning what is thought by many to be the start of the spring / summer season.

Brighter nights will be the most obvious change for the inhabitants of Swiss cities, as they adjust to the new time zone. DST will come to an end at 3am on October 31.

6. Springtime in Switzerland begins

It may not feel like it at the time, especially in poor weather, but the official start of spring is on March 20 with the season continuing until June 21, 2022. During this time, early flowering plants will begin to spring up in Switzerland's valleys and mountains.

Cherry blossoms, crocuses, dandelions, wildflowers and the start of the narcissus season will all be visible in the mountains, weather permitting. 

7. End of the ski season in some ski resorts in Switzerland

Finally, March will see the end of the ski season for several ski resorts in Switzerland. The low-altitude pistes of Madrisa in Davos, First in Grindelwald and Evolène in Valais will be some of the first to close at the end of March.

However, this does not mean that all ski resorts will be closing, with some of the highest-altitude resorts continuing until May. Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone new to the sport, March in Switzerland will continue to offer great winter sports.