Jason,

I also live in central Oregon. I had my TCH all last winter. As you know last winter was very mild.I did not use snow tires. I used the tires that came with my TCH. ( bridgestone) I had no trouble at all . You can't count on every winter to be like the last. This year I installed Winterforce studded snow tires. When it comes to saftey you can't be too cauious!