Winter in Lausanne has a habit of dragging on just a little longer than we’d like. The light is softer, the days are shorter, and motivation sometimes needs a nudge. The good news? Beating the winter blues doesn’t require a plane ticket or a personality overhaul — just a few well-chosen rituals close to home.
1. Escape to Villars for the day (or night)
When Lausanne feels a little too grey, Villars delivers crisp air, snowy walks, and that instant alpine reset. Ski or don’t ski — sometimes a mountain lunch and a slow wander are more than enough.
2. Warm up at Lausanne’s cosiest winter bars
Winter is peak apéro season. Think low lighting, good wine, strong cocktails, and the kind of places where time slows down just enough to forget the cold outside.
3. Go museum hopping at Plateforme 10
Three museums, one easy loop, endless inspiration. MCBA, mudac, and Photo Elysée are perfect for long winter afternoons when you want culture without commitment.
4. Make cinema afternoons a ritual
Midweek matinees at Capitole or CityClub hit differently in winter. Fewer people, better seats, and the quiet joy of emerging back into the cold with a film still lingering.
5. Books, books, books (and going analog)
Step inside Books Books Books, put your phone away, and let winter slow you down. Browsing shelves, flipping real pages, staying longer than planned — consider this your seasonal reset.
6. Get active, because movement is medicine
When winter energy dips, moving your body can make all the difference — and Lausanne does it well. From rowing sessions at Rowfit to barre and TRX at Pulse, strength and sweat come in all forms. There’s also LIFT, the newest concept from the team behind BEAT Fitness, plus rhythm-fuelled rides at SoundCycle, so many creative Pilates studios around town, and serious heat seekers can thaw out at YogaFlame with Bikram-style classes. No pressure, no perfection...just movement that feels good.
7. Climb indoors at TOTEM, Le Cube, or Grimper
Daylight may be limited, but endorphins are not. Indoor climbing is social, physical, and strangely meditative — plus, it’s one of the best ways to forget what month it is.
8. Get creative at Knock on Wood (KOW Craft Factory)
Sometimes beating winter blues starts with your hands, not your head. At Knock on Wood, you can get stuck into woodcraft — make a cutting board, carve a spoon, or personalise your own design with a maker’s guidance. It’s focused, tactile, and strangely therapeutic when the days are grey.
9. Take the plunge with winter swimming
Cold water, clear minds. From quick lake dips to sauna rituals that soften the shock, winter swimming on Lac Léman is wildly invigorating once you give it a try. Here are all of our tips if you're ready to take the plunge.
10. Treat yourself with a Royal Evian escape
Sometimes beating the winter blues means hopping across the lake. Thermal pools, lake views, and a little French luxury go a long way.
