It could suggest I step where one may slither dangerously? (3-5)
I believe the answer is:
off-piste
'where one may slither dangerously?' is the definition.
(as in skiing off-piste, away from prepared ski run)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
(Other definitions for off-piste that I've seen before include "Away from the regular runs in skiing" , "On unauthorised ski slope" , "Away from prepared ski runs" .)