Heading north past Lake Placid for the holidays. What are the ultimate snow tires for the allroad? Has anyone driven the 17" OEM tires on snow or ice? Are "studless" tires nearly as effective as studded?

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/atps5%20wheels.jpg"></center><p>There are lots of meanings to ultimate. The best traction would probably be Blizzaks. The only stock size you can get are Dunlops. I chose 215x65x16 Alpin Pilots on ATP S5s (Tire Rack)because of the stiffer sidewalls,interlocking treadblocks and H rating. I love the ride. They are very quiet at speed and provide plenty of traction. The narrower tire is balanced by the higher dry road performance.

It depends upon driving conditions - ice vs packed snow vs slush - but the Ws-50's are by far the best I have used. Very secure on ice at moderate speeds. Snow and slush only become a problem at greater depths and higher speeds I have lived in a Rocky Mtn. Ski community for 11 years, where we have 4 -5 months where you need good snow tires (AWD or not). We'll have ice and snow packed roads for weeks at a time. I do a lot of driving over 2 lane highways, passes, and back roads. It can get very ugly. Typically, the only thing that stops me now that I have the WS-50's is when they close the road.

I tested an allroad with stock tires on snow packed/icy local streets and thawing snow packed/icy highway. They were "ok" but not that great. I slipped more than desirable at take off from standing and at braking. I also felt alittle slipping on highway. It was enough for me to want the Blizzak.

I'm trying out some new Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW2 studless H rated snows. Let you know how they are. Factory size 225 55 17. The Colorado State Patrol uses them exclusively, but that may be as much because Goodyear gives them a great deal, and not because the tires are awesome. They look good. www.goodyeartires.com