The term 'elevator alternative' refers to any form of transportation that can be used instead of an elevator. The crossword solutions for this term are 'stairway' (8 letters), 'STAIRS' (6 letters), 'STAIR' (5 letters), and 'steps' (5 letters). All of these words refer to a set of STAIRS, which is the most common form of elevator alternative. Stairways are typically found in buildings with multiple floors, and they provide a safe and efficient way to travel between floors without the use of an elevator. STAIRS and steps are also commonly used as an alternative to elevators, as they are often easier to navigate and require less energy to climb.