They do survive the winter. They usually send out runners (new plants) attached to the mother plant. It is best to remove those often keeping the energy with the mother plant. However, strawberries are so prolific with these runners they get away from you. They eventually send roots down and a new plant grows. This is what I transplant. Today I transplanted them to a new garden bed. In the pacific northwest we can plant strawberries any time of year except during the worst cold snaps. Strawberries are the easiest fruit to grow and one of the best in my opinion.