1. Snow Tires

While no secret, snow tires are a must. Softer rubber compounds and siping designed specifically for slush and snow will allow you to drive more confidently. After years spent driving multiple cars and tires, I estimate snow tires provide at least 30-40% better traction, a shorter stopping distance, and the ability to make the first chair. I always tell folks, "It's cheap insurance." In many situations, I suggest snow tires on a Front Wheel Drive vehicle versus an AWD without snow tires, however, if you are on steep terrain and have stopped, AWD is your better friend.

When driving the relatively flat roads from Park City to Jackson Hole (without using Teton Pass), I drive a Front-Wheel-Drive VW TDI Golf Wagon (Manual transmission) with snow tires (Gets me 48 MPG). Ground clearance is above average also.

The most significant debate is the need for studded tires. If you live in ice-prone areas like northern Maine or Fairbanks, Alaska, they can help. Otherwise, we don't see the value of studs. Most newer snow tires can handle ice very well, and we hate the noise. Some might disagree. Bottom Line: Snow tires will outperform all-season M/S tires.

@thedukeluke (Instagram) digging out his SUV after the 5-day LCC closure in April 2023. The parking garage is just behind him! Snowbird logged over 70 inches of snow during that storm.

2. Downshifting

Consider using lower gears, even when rallying on the highway (we gear down by 1). This will help when you need to punch the gas if you start to tail fish or even front slide in turns. Instant power can help make small and quick steering/gas inputs when you are geared down.

Even lower gears are better when needing to stop quickly (engine braking) or when descending hills and keeping off the brakes. While I prefer manuals, most newer vehicles have paddle shifters or ways of downshifting. I often manually shift on all the downhills to avoid heavy braking.

An example of an Electronic Stability Control (ESP) switch in a modern car.

3. Turn Off The Electronic Stability Control (ESP) In Certain Situations

While ESP has brought significant safety to preventing slide-offs, there are a few situations where ESP will work against you.

A) If stuck in the snow, ESP will apply brakes to spinning tires, preventing you from using full torque to power out. Turn it off briefly and let your wheels pull you out. Don't forget to turn it back on.

B) When powering up a steep and deep driveway or road, ESP can also work against you in some situations (it applies brakes on skidding wheels). For the most part, we encourage you to leave it on, and in most vehicles, it kicks back on automatically over a certain speed, even if you turn it off.

Having a full tank of gas is always a good idea when traveling in winter conditions, and the added weight can help in slippery situations.

4. Have a Full Tank of Gas

If you have a lighter vehicle, or you're in situations with slush (my worst nightmare), the extra weight of a full tank of gas can help. It's also prudent in those road detours and traffic snarls to always be fully fueled up. Weight can be your friend with traction but will work against you in stopping distance.

5. Back Up With Your Wheels Downhill (FWD Cars Only)

This is one you likely have never heard of, and it only applies to Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles.

If you can spin the car around, wheels facing downhill, backing up a steep incline puts extra weight on those front wheels (the inertia of the vehicle facing downhill). That extra weight can often distinguish between being stranded or getting enough oomph to get you out of a situation temporarily. You will get some odd looks!

Remember, you always have more control of your vehicle on snow when not braking, but when need to making a quick stop, ABS brakes have changed the game.

6. ABS Braking+ Steering Works

ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) is one of the best car safety features. I used to pump the brakes manually back in the day. Most folks forget you can steer when fully engaging those brakes in a panic stop! There are so many rear-end collisions where the driver only hits the brakes. Brake and Steer at the same time! ABS is your friend here. Try it in a parking lot first.

An early storm dumped feet of snow on Pikes Peak in southern Colorado in October of 2024.

Final Thoughts: SUV vs. Sedan/Wagon?

Many folks driving SUVs think they are invincible (especially those with lousy tires). The main advantage you gain is ground clearance. That will make a difference if you are driving in uber-deep snow. Think, wake up in Tahoe in the full burial, or be stuck in Little Cottonwood with 30-50 inches of snow. Ground clearance is your friend in some of our deepest photos above.

Otherwise, the top-heavy-centric physics doesn't inspire as much confidence on the highway, especially at speed. While every chase for powder is different, we prefer slightly lighter SUVs, Wagon-centric cars (good luck finding many wagons anymore), and even AWD or FWD sedans. A well-equipped sedan with the proper tires can often outperform in many situations, especially on the highway. The lower center of gravity is your friend here.

Also, when purchasing a vehicle, compare ground clearance stats. We like to avoid sports packages that often lower these numbers. The industry trend has been towards performance and slightly lower ground clearances. My 91 Coupe Quattro hatchback had mega ground clearance and never left me stranded.

Remember to increase your following distance and decrease your speed. If you slide off, "you are missing the first chair."

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