How do you stay safe walking in winter?
Walk safely in winter by wearing shoes with good grip or slip-on ice cleats, taking short, flat-footed steps on slick ground, and choosing cleared, lit sidewalks. Dress in layers with a hat and mittens, and wear something reflective in the early dark. Cold can shut a phone off early, so keep yours in an inner pocket. A fall on ice can leave you stuck in the cold, so share your walk and set a return time.
Winter walking, step by step
01Get grip under your feet
Boots with deep, soft rubber treads grip far better than sneakers, whose soles harden in the cold. On icy days, slip-on cleats over your shoes make a big difference. Take them off before walking into stores or onto tile floors, where the metal skids.
02Walk like a penguin on ice
Shorter steps, feet slightly wider apart, knees soft, weight over your front foot, and hands out of your pockets for balance. Carry bags in a backpack so both arms are free. Go slowly on steps, curbs, car door areas and the edges of parking lots, where snowmelt runs off and refreezes after dark.
03Choose the route for the season
Main streets and bus routes are usually cleared first. A quiet park path that is lovely in summer may be unplowed and unlit in January. Walk the same few cleared loops through the season so you know where the icy spots are, and on very icy days swap to an indoor walk at a mall or community center.
04Dress warm and be visible
The CDC recommends a hat, mittens or gloves, a scarf or face covering, water-resistant boots and several loose layers. The National Weather Service adds that mittens keep hands warmer than gloves and that you should change out of wet clothes as soon as you are back inside. Add a reflective vest or a small clip light, because drivers struggle to see walkers in winter dusk and snow glare.
05Keep your phone charged and warm
Apple notes that iPhones work best between 32 and 95°F and that very cold conditions can temporarily shorten battery life and may turn the phone off. Carry it in an inner coat pocket, leave home with a full charge, and if it dies, warm it indoors before charging.
06Set a return time
If you slip and cannot get up, the cold becomes the risk, especially on a quiet street. Set a return time in Holler before you leave. Miss it by five minutes and your Guardians get an overdue alert with your location, even if your phone app is closed. A stationary alert adds a second net: stop moving for the time you choose and Holler asks if you are OK.
Related questions
What are the warning signs of getting too cold?
The CDC lists shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness as hypothermia signs. Get indoors, out of wet clothes, and warm the center of the body first. Call 911 if someone is confused, very drowsy or has a body temperature below 95°F.
What should I do if I fall on ice?
Stay still for a moment and check for pain before getting up. If you can, roll to your hands and knees and push up using something solid. If you cannot get up, tap SOS in Holler so your Guardians get your location, call 911 if you are hurt, and keep your hands and head covered while you wait.
Can a family member keep an eye on my winter walks?
Yes. Add them as a Guardian so they can follow your live link in any browser and hear from Holler if you are overdue. Our page on walking alone at night covers the dark months too.
Is it worth walking outdoors when it is very cold?
Short walks can be fine if you dress well and the ground is clear. On days with ice or dangerous wind chill, walk indoors instead. See the walking safety hub for more.
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Sources, checked September 2026: CDC: Preventing hypothermia, National Weather Service: Staying safe in the cold, Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold.
More safety answers, or see the safety guides.