How To Be A Certified Penguin Walker

Your guide to surviving Midwest winters

By M Yeager

Snow has fallen, temperatures have dipped and our resident Metro District snow plows, Plowy McPlowface and Plowasaurus Rex, have taken to the streets. While some of the people who attend St. Kate’s are natives to either Minnesota or the Midwest, there are some of us who have not experienced a Midwest winter. Winters in Minnesota, and in the Midwest in general, are unpredictable because the region is consistently subject to both cold air masses from the far north and warm air masses from the south. These opposing masses create wide ranges in temperature and precipitation. This is why it is important to be prepared for almost anything.

I spoke with an acquaintance of mine, Kayla Olivias ‘26 (Computer Science), who is from Arizona and asked her a few questions about her experience with winter so far. “I did expect the winters to be this cold, only because of the research I did,” Olivias said. “However, although it’s early in the school year, I did think that it would be colder.” 

November and December, while cold, aren’t typically the coldest months of the season. That title belongs to January and parts of February, when the region frequently experiences a polar vortex. This is when temperatures plummet to below freezing and even below zero due to the mass of cold air from around the North Pole expanding to the south.

Clothing and Outerwear

What can you do to prepare for this? Olivias recommends investing in a good winter coat, which is something that she is very happy she did. While it is nice to find alternatives at a lower price, it may not keep you warm in extreme conditions. Kathryn Feil ‘25 (Theology) seconds getting a good winter coat, especially one that is waterproof when it comes time for the dense and wet snow and freezing rain during the winter. 

Waterproof snow boots are also a must. Snow boots can be expensive, and if you do not already have some, a good pair of boots with traction paired with thicker socks can do the trick! I personally use my dad’s wool socks and a pair of Doc Martens. If you don’t enjoy the clunkiness that comes with a regular snow boot or are scarred from forgetting your “school” shoes at home and had to walk around your school in your snow boots as a kid, do not fear. There are warm snow boots that have a similar weight to regular shoes that you can buy. 

Layering is not just a fashion statement—it is important during frigid weather. You can get fleece-lined leggings, tights and undershirts that are not as bulky as a second pair of pants or shirt, but keep you warm as if they were. Otherwise, a warm sweatshirt or sweater can do wonders to keep you from freezing. 

As far as accessories, a hat and a pair of gloves are life savers for your ears and hands. Thicker gloves are best, but don’t be afraid to double up if you have two pairs of thinner gloves. The same goes with hats. I have found that a trapper hat, also known as a B-52 hat, is excellent in the winter, especially because of the flaps specifically for your ears. If your winter coat does not have a hood, a scarf is nce for keeping your neck and lower face warm. Another helpful tool for keeping warm is “a heating pad or Hot Hands for long durations outside,” according to Feil. As a kid who stood outside for many winter parades, heating pads and Hot Hands were excellent at keeping extremities warm. 

Winter Driving

For those of us with cars, winter driving tips are helpful as well. A snow brush and scraper are not the only tools that are helpful when clearing snow off your car. Having a small handheld shovel in your trunk is just as important a tool as the trusty snow brush. Clearing a path behind your tires before starting to drive your car is very helpful and reduces the risk of you getting stuck and needing to call Public Safety. Knowing if your car is rear wheel or front wheel drive and making sure that those tires have traction is so important. It will be easier to get out of your parking space and you will be on your way sooner. Traction pads are also excellent if clearing behind your tires or parking where your tires will have traction is not possible. They are a bit pricey, but cat litter from Dollar Tree is also helpful in creating traction. Additionally, getting snow tires put on is great for preventing loss of traction.

I also recommend turning on your car before you start to clear off your windshield and back windows. This is not only helpful in that you’ll be warm once you get in your car to drive, but turning on the defrost will help to start thawing the ice that is on your windows. Having windshield fluid that is good for temperatures down to negative 35 F is also great because once you clear off the snow and are left with only ice, the fluid will help to soften the ice. On the topic of windshields, make sure to have your wipers up if you park outside; they won’t freeze to your windshield! 

Turning on your car and letting it run for a few minutes every other day if you do not drive it daily helps prevent needing a jump start. The cold temperatures often drain your car battery. If possible, getting a new battery for your car before winter also prevents this. 

As far as actually driving, it is important to take it slow, especially during snow storms or when road conditions are less than optimal. Roads, especially on bridges, get icy—it’s important to be able to keep your car in control. Familiarize yourself with the safety features in your car that can assist you during the winter. These features can include the antilock braking system and your emergency brake. In addition, absolutely do not swerve when you are trying to stop; that can damage your car or you could end up in a ditch. Keep your steering wheel straight! If you start to drift while driving, turn in the direction you are headed; you will be able to regain control of your car. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction can create overcorrection, which is very dangerous and you will not regain control of your car.

I did not pass the test of being a certified penguin walker. Credit: Chad Yeager

Lastly, taking it slow is important both as a driver and as a pedestrian. Remember to keep your center of gravity over your front leg and keep your arms out to your sides, similarly to a penguin. This will help you regain control when traction changes.

If you follow these above tips, consider yourself a certified penguin walker!

For additional information concerning winter driving, visit this website.