I've never heard of Nokian, but I had Blizzaks on one of my Mustangs in the past. Those are some great winter tires.
I've been through one heavy snowstorm on the Contis and I thought they did a great job. I say give them a chance. If you don't like them you can always get the snow tires and switch them out. Besides, with global warming it won't be much longer before PA doesn't get snow.
