I prefer to use the built in steps because i'm quite tall and the reach is not too bad for me - some of my colleagues prefer to use ladders. I think the ladder is the less safe option because it is difficult to get it in exactly the right place and there is the risk it could move / slip. At least the steps on the aircraft are fixed.
I also use the "three points of contact" rule - two feet / one hand or two hands / one foot at all times. If you do this and are careful and methodical then i don't think that using the integral steps is any more of a risk than using ladders.
OH
You are right!
Yes, there are these big platforms used for maintenance purposes, but not quite comfortable for preflight...
And if you are out in the field, the only way is climbing up! Ask the EC135 pilots, they built up a lot of experience on this in the past month
skadi