Harold, I feel the same way about the Michelin xIce3 tires we put on our Matrix two winters ago - incredible grip, control, and safety in snow and wet, and on glare ice, great fuel economy, and reasonably quiet and comfortable ride.  I can get out and go when my neighbours with AWD CUVs are driveway bound.  

James
Ottawa, ON

> Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:24:52 -0500
> From: teer.vanagon@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: winter driving to Spokane
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> On Sun, Nov 9, 2014 at 4:25 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> 
> >
> > Of course we would be winter prepped, with proper tires, emergency gear,
> > food and prepared for multi-day stops if necessary.
> >
> > My apologies, but this drive will not involve my camper, which has already
> > been moved to Spokane, but rather my Prius.
> >
> > Thanks, Dave McNeely
> >
> 
> 
> Dave,
> 
> I second Dennis's recommendation on  the Nokian WRG3 for the Prius.  Last
> Fall, I put 4 on our 2006 Prius and after one year of driving on them, I
> have the following observations:  First, they are truly low rolling
> resistance tires and we are getting the best MPG we have observed since
> buying the Prius.  Secondly and most importantly, they are incredible
> snow/ice tires.  For a period of time last winter we had snow packed and at
> times, ice covered  roads.  Our Subaru with new expensive all season tires
> with good consumer ratings for snow could not hold a candle to the Prius as
> far as winter driving was concerned--stopping power, handling, and starting
> from a dead stop was exceptional.  We left the all wheel drive Subaru in
> the driveway and only used the Prius when the roads were snow or ice
> covered or we expected snow when travelling.   I feel so comfortable with
> the Prius and the WRG3 for winter driving, that when we sold the Subaru, we
> replaced it with a two wheel drive vehicle.
> 
> If the WRG3 were available for the 14" rims on a Westy in the proper load
> range, they would be my preferred tire.  As it is, if and when I upgrade
> the rims to a larger size, I will go with a rim that allows me to use the
> proper WRG3 on the Westy.
> 
> Harold
> 
> Harold Teer
> 1991 Westy -- VANGAUX
> Harrisonburg, VA