snow tires

[Mike Miller]

I've been running studs here in Montana the last several years but I only 
get 15-20k miles out of them ( 2 seasons). My driveway is snow covered from 
Nov thru March usually, is about 3000 feet long and gains about 400 ft in 
elevation - you do not want to slide off it. Last winter I chained up 
several times to go down the driveway when it was icy so the studs weren't 
really helping much.

I'm thinking of trying studless snows this winter as I need to buy tires 
again. Costco has a sale on Michelin X-Ice ($411 out the door). Does anyone 
have any experience/opinions on those?

mike