I agree with Mickey. What is a lot of snow to you? How are the hills? I've only seen Zurich at night for a couple hours, but even that is hilly enough that I wouldn't want to try it in snow. The cabbies there drive REALLY fast.

I think I'd look into public transit options for the worst months of the year. Also, look into whether studded bike tires are legal there, if you're going to push ahead with it.

To me, a mountain bike with studded tires would be the way to go if you go through with it.