I'm sure most at home who're about to travel overseas to a place where there's snow/winter, they'd get tons of advice. From what to wear, which moisturizers to use, what to put in the emergency kit, to packing, some would get an idea that it is going to be tricky to walk on snow or icy roads.
I have traveled to winter places for holidays twice before coming to Norway, it is just so different to LIVE in a winter place. When you live in the place, chances are you are walking on a daily basis in non-touristy places. That means, more chances of walking on non-heated pavements, when you are maybe bidding time to get a car, or that it just made more sense to cover short distances by foot.
Now.. in the short two months into winter... I'm pretty sure I've entered the Hall of Classic Street Falls. I am VERY sure every time I grace the curb side or that sly little slopey alley, although I saw no one, someone definitely bore witness and could vouch me into the prestigious Hall. So, before more fall victim to the inviting curb-side, hopefully the following could help you and not contend for my title :)
So what's up with this then? Slippery ice. Tricky thing is sometimes you just can't tell by looking until you have stepped on it and suddenly, catch yourself balancing for dear life. Here, I would walk in areas that look slushy - dirty, yellowish-brown, sand-ish, wet snow. If you see a hard, glistening, at times transparent surface, don't put your foot there, if you can.
.. Suddenly, I feel like I'm doing an advertorial.. but unfortunately, I'm not a Xia Xue. Maybe.. just maybe one day, my articles will be read by hundreds or even thousands and then, I'll be paid for putting my thoughts to words. ...Such.. a ... wonderful... dream. :P