When snow and ice are forecast, sprinkle steps and walkways ahead of time with de-icer. We use calcium chloride, it's more environmentally friendly than rock salt but salt works too. If you get a lot of snow or freezing rain, ice may form anyway, but removal is much easier. Ice won't be 'welded' to the surfaces.
Be sure to have big mats inside entrances so you don't get this stuff tracked into the house. Offer rewards to all who remove their boots at the door! Keep a basket of clean, fluffy wool socks next to the boot tray. Mighty tempting when you come in with cold, damp feet and a good reason to take those messy boots off.
