Although I have not driven through 8" of snow, my vehicle handled 5"-6" without a problem. I even took an unplowed road through the woods just to enjoy the view and the HiHy did OK IMO.

I have to agree with Bob259. My previous vehicle was a VW Touareg V8. The vehicle sucked in snow until I replaced the stock "all-season" (translation - "does nothing very well") tires with some new rubber. It was like night and day, the vehicle was almost unstoppable. I would have to believe that someone in MN, CO, etc. should definately consider a second set of shoes for winter time!