I've never worked in an area that gets any snow, so the freezing issues you guys have to deal with create an interst to me just because it's something new.
I usually try to avoid wood stairs as much as possible as they all have a limited life span. I know that you might not have a choice in this, but usualy it's a height issue to go with wood or not. I've never built stairs out of retaining blocks, but I've done a few from concrete and red bricks.
Since you are putting down patio pavers for the walkway, I'd consider making the steps out of those pavers to tie it all together and make it truly amazing.
Just form out the steps for conrete so you can mortor on the pavers at the desired height for your steps. Depending on the color of your pavers, you might be able to find some bullnose bricks that match your pavers really nice too. I did this once with a dark red paver and a smooth finished, dark red bull nose brick.
Another option is to pour concrete and then cover it in tile. It's a different element from your pavers, but if you have rock on your home, or landscaping, then slate tiles might look really nice. I've dont the slate thing to cover up all sorts of bad concrete and brick work!!!!!
If you absolutely have to use wood, then be sure to attach your stringers to your ledger board extremly well. This is where it counts. Use lag bolts, cairage bolts and screws. I never use nails on any outdoor, exposed wood. Not for trim, decks or anything. I'd float the bottoms of the stairs on the pavers with as much surface material of the stringers as you have.
Will there be a railing? Is there a safety concern, or abuse issue with kids? If so, I'd set the post in concrete as deep as possible. If not, then just lag screw it onto the sides of your stringers with at least three screws. Two never seems to be enough. LOL
If you post some pictures, I'm sure we can come up with some more detailed information. It's always allot of guesswork and assumptions when giving advice based on just what's been written.
Hope this helps,
Eddie