This type of path is very durable here in the Pacific Northwest. Rarely do we get a hard freeze however. It was time consuming in this case because we cut some of the pieces as to fit tighter to the curve and to each other. It's a form of Montana slate, common from the quarries just east of us, but the availability changes over time. It was all dry-set on compacted 1/4"- gravel and edged (black plastic snap edging).

I would recommend hiring a contractor equipped with knowledge and tools for handling and cutting stone. As far as I know this stone and the type of application is very durable. Though we don't have very deep freezes and much snow accumulation here in winter (Seattle area).