Removing Paint?

My porch was done by me a few years ago with porch paint. The porch itself is in shade most of the day and the paint isn't performing too badly. But the stairs do not look too good. Peeling started shortly after they were finished. I am looking to redo the porch and stairs using stain this time. Is a wood stripper sufficient to remove the old finish or is a sanding the better option? Thanks!