I found this image online and thought it was interesting! These are called “Witches Stairs”. Allegedly, witches can’t climb up them. Inspectors in the New England area, have you run into these on your travels?
EDIT: Here’s the link to the relevant section in the IRC if anyone is interested: IRC R311.7.11
I’ve seen two.
The first time was from my HVAC days. Had to take the air handler up the stairs. It was as awkward as you would imagine.
The second time was on an inspection. The buyer had no intentions to use them regularly as it went to the attic.
Witches have brooms. Why would they need to walk those stupid stairs?
Pretty ingenious, a way to maintain depth and rise on a steep stair case.
Thanks for the article!
Those stairs are a potential safety hazard and would be narrated as such…IMHO
She’s watching you! 
Larry, I would think so too.
I was curious and looked up " Alternating tread stairs" in the IRC. Here’s the link if anyone is interested: IRC R311.7.11
Here’s a rendition I’ve seen around here, more than once, often accessing a loft area where inadequate space was available for a stair design that was IRC compliant. They do work, and are better than a ladder, but handrails are essential, and you need to get used to them. The tread material in this design must be a laminated material, not just plain boards. I’ve seen the tread extension broken:
Dumb design. We have them on ships without the tread extension and they work just fine.
Yep! Have a friend that had these in her home leading to a converted attic loft. Total pain in the ass to negotiate and as @lkage stated, I would address them as a safety hazard.
Never seen them before. I sure wouldn’t want to try them out after a few adult beverages!
Come on Dave, it’s adventure like rock climbing when sober. (Like I’ve done that…rock climbing period)… 
Thanks for the link Saman. 
Not being a code inspector, code or not, it would go into my report as a potential safety hazard.
I definitely agree!
I shared the link for anyone who was curious. 
Yes! Safety hazard for witches.
No. Thanks for sharing.
Did the chimney have a bend?
Alternate-tread stairs are simply intended to save space, particularly in narrow homes.
I haven’t seen these but I’ve seen the Witches Crook in a chimney. It twists up in the attic before the
roof terminal. So the witches could not come down your chimney.
Those homes didn’t get Santa Clause either!
After many years, you may know by now… … …
