snow tires

There are a number of quality "Mud and Snow" tires. Usually see M/S on the side wall somewhere. The only thing I caution is that these tires are usually a regional tire, and not meant or designed for mainly highway use. These tires are meant for applications that spend just little hops on the highway in between semi off-road conditions. These tires are more for dump trucks, construction, snow plows, cement mixers... We have had many customers that op for M/S tires for a truck that spends 97% of the time on a dry highway. These tires will actually wear funny because of the aggressive lugs. So if you are looking at the scenario where there will be only a couple days where you would need this kind of traction I would say you would be better off with using chains. It's not like they keep the highways snow covered for days and days. They get cleared pretty fast. Plus they are predicting a mild winter this year! (Fingers crossed)

 

Michelin XDS is a wicked tire, great traction and mileage to match.

 

Back east they're pretty good at salting the roads... I've had more trouble with IN and WY than anything along the east coast. "Snow tires" aren't going to help you on ice in any case. Besides, most places will have the road cleared by the time you get your chains on... if they don't you probably shouldn't be on the road anyway.

We normally run lugged drives with a closed shoulder (Goodyears,) but you can buy Michelins if you like from the company. Honestly, weight has more of an effect than tire tread in my opinion. If you're running heavy, you're pretty much good to go in anything. The guy with the top fuel economy in my company last year was from the flatbed division, put Michelin XRAs (that's an all-position grooved tread) on as drives and steers. Never talked to the guy myself, but our flatbed guys take a lot of crummy roads. I expect he didn't have any trouble. I have more trouble in parking lots than anywhere... engaging the 2nd drive axle and straightening the steers usually takes care of it. If not, a handful of kitty litter works magic.

Doesn't matter what kind of tire you have, many states do have chain requirements, whether you intend on using them or not - best check the laws before you go. Colorado is one of the strictest. You MUST have chains on board per state law October - May. If you get stuck blocking a traffic lane in conditions that require chains without having them on, the fine is $1500. If they invoke the chain law, either you have them on or you're not going anywhere. 3 cables and 1 set of chains, and you're good to go in Colorado, and that will cover minimums anywhere... it may not get you running in conditions that you shouldn't be running in though.