I have been using my 2000 996 C2 as my daily driver for four years now in the Chicago suburbs. Thick and thin, this is my car (well, my wife has a minivan but........no thanks!). I bought a second set of wheels off Craigslist for next to nothing and mounted Bridgestone Blizzaks on them. Every November, Mother Nature shows how much she hates me and the winters go on. Every March, the sun gods allow the summers to go back on. I definitely love the Blizzaks in the snow. The only issues I've run into have been when the trucks plow, if they leave the big snow boogers in the intersection you are either pushing them away or driving another way.
I just make sure to spray the salt/slush away at least once or twice a week at a car wash. The cars are German and made for the snow! I can't imagine not getting to have fun in it year round!
I'll take summer anytime!!