A Swinub's method of locomotion bears little in common with that of its evolutions, or indeed to any other pokemon known to science. Swinub have short legs, and can move slowly with them when stranded, but like a Persian's claws they are retractable and more often than not retracted. In the wild, Swinub move like trainers through the puzzles of Johto's Ice Path, sliding across ice from boulder to boulder.
A Swinub's nose is best known for its excellent sense of smell, and it indeed uses this nose to sniff for small bug and water-type pokemon which hide under snow and ice. But the strength of a Swinub's nose is equally remarkable: it is this nose, not its weak front legs, which it uses to push off boulders to begin its slide. Likewise, Swinub plunge their noses into the ground, often punching through ice, when one needs to stop and there is no rock large enough nearby.
Sadly, most Swinub today travel inside pokeballs, leaving them only to walk and battle very slowly on short, stubby legs. They are owned by trainers who carry them far from the majestic snows they call home and they use their noses only to sniff for treasure.