Superior Firepower is always a big help, the best of which is good tires. With studded snow tires even a rear wheel drive car can do amazingly well in slick conditions. If you live in this area, or visit here often, you should have good all season tires at the very least. If you do not have snow tires you will need to have chains, often you cannot get around legally or safely without one or the other. The ultimate snow machine is a 4x4 with anti-locking brakes, a low center of gravity, and studded snow tires. For an experienced snow driver such a vehicle is almost a letdown because they can be so difficult slide in. No matter how good your tools are, you need to keep your skills sharp. If you get too cocky you will surely get into trouble sooner or later. Always be prepared for the worst, no matter how careful an skilled you are its a good idea to have food, water, extra clothes, and a sleeping bag in your vehicle.