Sean,

That was a wonderful primer on winter driving.

Two tiny points of clarification.  I have found it most helpful to instruct
novices to steer out of a skid by steering towards the direction in which
they want the front of the vehicle to be heading.

For more experienced drivers, gentle use of the e-brake can reduce wheel
torque when starting on slippery surfaces.  The e-brake can also be used if
forced to back down (because you got stuck part way up) a steep, glare-ice
hill, especially if the road has a crown that will cause the vehicle to
slip off to the side if the regular brakes are used.  This technique allows
steering by two wheels and braking by the other two.  ( I used it for the
first time in over 30 winters last year, and was amazed at its
effectiveness.)

BTW, where are you located in the snow belt?

Budd Premack
87 Wolfsburg, 84 Vanagon,  86 Syncro (for sale)
73 Super, 64 Bug
Minneapolis, MN