Uncleared snow gets compacted and then icy on pavements. Just about OK to walk on on the flat with suitable footwear but awful on the hills. As previously mentioned, it is pretty easy to clear before it has been compacted and very small amounts of salt keep it that way. Freshly fallen snow can be cleared from the front of an average house in 10 minutes with a shovel and broom. Not a difficult task. It's only once it gets comapacted and icy it starts to get harder.