Snow and ice: what is the penguin walk, and how does it help you avoid falling on the street?

While Paris and the Île-de-France region are experiencing a significant snowfall, coupled with icy conditions, you'll still need to venture outside for work, errands, or to enjoy the many attractions the city has to offer... But how can you stay on your feet without slipping? Here's a tip: adopt the penguin walk! Curious about how it works? We've got all the details for you!

Heading out into Paris or greater Île-de-France during a snowstorm (especially with the associated ice and black ice) isn’t always straightforward… Sidewalks and roads often remain uncleared, and with consecutive snowfalls, a fresh layer of snow can easily hide a dangerous layer of ice. When you step outside unprepared in your footwear, slips and falls become almost unavoidable!

So how can you avoid falling or injuring yourself on icy streets? There are plenty of tips and tricks... But it’s probably our colleagues at the Parisien who came up with the most inventive—and effective—solution: the penguin walk! A way of moving that mimics what we see in nature, because what better example than penguins, manchots, and —all creatures that move seamlessly across ice without slipping (or at least rarely).

Imitating a penguin on snow, a matter of logic

How does it work? As explained in the infographic, all you need to do is tilt your torso slightly forward, position your arms slightly apart for balance (no hands in pockets—wear gloves if needed...), do the same with your legs, turn your feet outward, and take small steps. Just a heads-up: make sure to step flat on your foot. It takes a bit of practice—and a willingness to look a little silly (we've tried it ourselves)—but it really works. Looking for more tips? We've got several more tricks up our sleeve:

Snow and black ice hitting Paris and Île-de-France: tips to prevent slipping on foot or in your car
Beware of slips and falls with these freezing temperatures and expected snowfall! With such weather, slips are common and can be very painful on foot, and dangerous while driving. Here are some tips to help you stay safe. [Read more]

With this tip, you should get through without any issues. However, since penguins move slowly, you'll need to take your time just like them and plan accordingly. And if you happen to fall or injure yourself, we also recommend checking out another one of our articles:

Snow and ice: do you have rights if you fall on a city sidewalk?
Snow falls silently and gently… until suddenly, a foot slips and everything changes. Who is responsible when someone falls on a snowy or icy sidewalk? Between municipalities, shopkeepers, and personal caution, the answer often comes down to the smallest detail—and it’s never a straightforward, automatic judgment. Here’s what you need to know. [Read more]