[jyl]

Last winter I had very good results with genuine snow tires (not "mud & snow" tires) without studs. They were Bridgestone Blizzaks. Used them on solid ice in addition to packed and glazed snow, this was in central WA state.

I went studless because wanted to be able to put them on early and leave them on late, and didn't want the noise of studded tires.

I've used studded tires before, they are great in the worst conditions but may not be necessary. Depends how fast you really want to drive when conditions are nasty. I'm happy to slow to 40 mph when it is icy.