Switzerland has mildest winter since 1864

This winter season has made it into the record books as being the mildest since records began in 1864. In a country synonymous with sleigh bells and skiing, December 25 saw another green Christmas for many parts of the country.

Northwestern parts of Switzerland and the plaines have experienced unseasonably warm temperatures and very little snow, according to Swiss weather monitor, MeteoSwiss.

The cold spells were frequently interrupted by warm currents that gave rise to variable weather conditions.

Winter temperatures on the plaine averaged between 2.2 and 4.7 degrees and rose to five degrees in the south of the country.

The southern alpine region, however, received the most snow for the last 50 years, according to the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos. Despite its reduced snowfall, the north of the country still managed to have a successful ski season, according to the Swiss Cable Transport Association.

Ski stations such as those at Arosa, Davos, the Jungfrau region and Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland, as well as Verbier and Zermatt are enjoying a profitable season.

swissinfo with agencies