If you leave snow on the ground the sun will melt it a little and then that water freezes over night. That's how you get icy paths.
If you sweep it up in the morning while it's fresh, literally with a push broom, the sun melts what little remains and the water runs off. The sun heats the dark sidewalk surface. No ice. Just keep sweeping every morning when more snow falls.
No ice. No salt. No hassle.
Brought to you by smug New Yorkers living in the #pnw.