The problem up here in Alberta (I live an hour from Banff) is not the snow, it's the ice and the cold. Winter temps around Xmas time can be easily in the minus 20's or 30's C (-4 to -22 F). All season compounds get very hard and lose most of their braking and turning performance. You actually get better grip in the snow when it's that cold. I'd highly recommend a good set of winter tires. And if you buy them here, they might be a deal with our pathetic dollar.1. Tires - unless the snow is insanely crazy, you should be fine - just drive with caution. If you want to, buy a seat of tires with the three-peak rating and sell your stock tires. The difference won't be $1000
2. Bear mace!