Hi Oliver, don't misunderstand me, we dont have 7 winter months, just 2-3.
Winters get also softer but wetter. Some weeks of -10°C is the worst we meet.
Varroa doesn't matter me any more but I count twice a year the natural mortality. Once end november, there I find 1 (young colonies) to 7.5 mites/day (last winter some colonies peaked to 11 and 13/day). The second time in february, then I count 0 to 3.5 mites/day. I can't deny a certain varroapressure in the colonies but they can handle it and leave winter in very good condition.
For me a variable pollen supply of good quality (not only mais) for september-october (in this area) is all our girls need to survive. It takes a lot of work, time and good relationship to achieve this but it pays back afterwoods. 

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