But, of course, for here we need "traction tires" (with the
> snowflake/mountain emblem on the sidewall) to legally drive in many
> places in winter, else we have to put on chains. That might narrow the
> field a bit in terms of searching for "quiet" tires.
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel (Jack Elliott)
>

  I really do not think you'll find an effective winter tire that is going
to be very quiet.   During winter....the road surface is noisy..covered with
ice, packed snow, cinders and pot holes.  If you live where there is winter,
you 'put up with' discomfort...noisy ride, shovel out of the driveway in the
morning and back in when you get home, breakdowns in the slush, poor drivers
getting stuck and blocking the roads in front of you....it's all part of
winter reality and it can't be ignored...You simply must 'shift gears' when
the snow flies...put on the snow tires, toss in some ballast weight, put in
your winter 'survival kit' and maybe forget listening to "The Grand Canyon
Suite---sunrise" as you rumble and rattle down the crummy highway surface
over the snow and ice.

  One mistake many people make is to think.."Bigger fatter knobby tires with
super agressive tread...they will be better on snow"  I've always found a
taller narrower tire works better...I like those Hakkapellittas all the
regular vendors sell and I've used them year round for a couple of years on
the rear of my 2wd van...They seem tolerable for noise and have
excellent (for a Vanagon) traction.  I think mine are about worn out after
~30k miles...good value..