Rod,

I have a 2004 Prius (sorry about your dismay with the HCH). With the OEM Goodyear Integrity tires the P2 handled snow well the first season, but now with 45,000 miles I replaced them with Michelin MXV4+ (energy saving, LRR) tires (other P2 owners have switched to Michelin Harmony or HydroEdge tires --- better treadwear). The Michelins provide very good wet and good snow traction (Blizzaks or Nokians are better for snow). The P2 also has Traction Control as a standard (to prevent system damage from spinning tires --- but it does help in winter driving)

Note that I run my tires at 42 psi front and 40 psi rear. This gives better MPG, a somewhat harder ride, and better tire wear.

One other matter, The OEMs had soft sidewalls which caused some poor handling characteristics. The major one was excessive sensitivity to sidewind. The handling problems are reduced at the higher psi I run (Toyota says 35/33 --- don't. Just stay below the Max rated pressure --- 44 for these tires).

Good luck

JeffD