Calgarians share how they navigate icy sidewalks without falling

With some major weather fluctuations this winter, Calgary has already seen one or two cold snaps. There’s ice — piles of it — and it can make it hard to navigate sidewalks without slips and falls.

Here in YYC, ice is on everyone’s mind. And with a flood of newcomers to the city in the past few years, you might be looking for a few tips on navigating the slippery streets.

Local Calgarians are already on it, and in a recent Reddit post, they offered up all their top tips for walking on ice without falling. Here are all the ways Calgarians glide through those icy, cold winters!

Walk like a penguin

Have you seen the way arctic penguins navigate the ice and snow in their native habitat? You can also head to the Calgary Zoo’s Penguin Walk for a little reminder.

Penguins take small steps, with their feet splayed outwards and their arms held up for balance. Many Canadians swear by this method of walking on ice, and it can definitely make it a little easier to navigate if you’re missing tread.

One user shared a personal story about their penguin walk:

“I used to get bullied back home for the way I walk. They even used to call me, ‘BonIce’. Since I moved to Canada, I’ve kept my same walk, waddling like a penguin with my feet turned out and I haven’t fallen once. Who’s laughing now?”

Ice cleats and spikes

This is an excellent, practical solution. Ice cleats and spikes can be strapped onto the bottom of your shoes, adding instant grip to your gait.

“Really makes a huge difference. you can get 2 pair at Costco for $10-20,” said one user. ” For those without a membership, “They even have decent ones at Dollarama. Better than nothing I found.”

If you’re looking for a little extra grip, finding yourself a pair may be the way to go.

Experience

Some users claimed years of experience is the thing keeping them upright, and it’s giving classic Canadiana.

One Calgarian said they’ve been practicing walking on ice for 55 years. Another user commented:

“It’s like learning to drive in the winter. If you don’t do it, you’ll never learn. Your body, muscles, and brain adapt once you practice, you just need to do it as safely as possible considering your age and physical abilities. Find a little icy patch and ‘skate’ across it. Feel how slippery it is. Try sliding in different ways and if you find any frozen bubbles, you have to jump on them and smash them!”

Maybe the best way to practice is to get out there and slide around on the ice yourself. Just wear something puffy for a gentle landing!

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Em Medland-Marchen

Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.

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