Walkway and Entrance Ice Safety Tips for Manitoba Winters

Driveways get the attention, but most winter slips and falls around a home happen on walkways, entrances, and steps. These are the paths you actually walk every day — and they're where ice builds up fastest.

Why walkways ice up

Walkways and entrances are narrow, shaded, and often lower than the surrounding ground. Meltwater runs onto them during the day and refreezes overnight into thin, nearly invisible ice. Add a light snow on top and the surface looks safe but isn't.

Clear early and clear fully

The single most effective thing you can do is clear snow from walkways before it gets walked on. Once snow is packed down by foot traffic, it turns to ice quickly. Clearing the full width of the path — not just a narrow boot-track — keeps the whole walkway usable.

Steps and entrances need extra care

Steps are where slips become falls. Snow that lands on steps packs down hard underfoot and turns icy fast. Entrances collect snow blown against the door and meltwater that refreezes overnight. Both need careful, thorough clearing.

Don't rely on de-icer alone

Sand and de-icer help with traction, but they don't remove snow — they sit on top of it. Clear the snow first, then use a light application for traction on any remaining ice. Piling on de-icer instead of clearing just creates a slushy mess that refreezes.

The professional option

For homeowners who want the full path from driveway to door kept clear all winter, walkway and entrance clearing pairs with driveway service. It's detailed work, but it's what keeps the areas you actually walk safe.

If keeping your walkways and entrances clear through the season would make your winter easier, request a quote — a local crew can include walkway and entrance clearing in your service.