Originally Posted by kb33 (Post 6971506)

You don't really need four wheel drive but its better to have it than not , I live in Okotoks and both our cars are 4 wheel drive , Wouldn't ever go back to 2 wheel drive after last winter, Car just feels so much more secure in the snow and ice although you have to bear in mind that doesn't lead to a false sense of security .
Also comes in handy when visiting the Rockies and you decide to take a trip down one of the many gravel roads out there.

Here's a scene from last winter ....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/DSC00110.jpg

Originally Posted by kb33 (Post 6971506)

You don't really need four wheel drive but its better to have it than not , I live in Okotoks and both our cars are 4 wheel drive , Wouldn't ever go back to 2 wheel drive after last winter, Car just feels so much more secure in the snow and ice although you have to bear in mind that doesn't lead to a false sense of security .
Also comes in handy when visiting the Rockies and you decide to take a trip down one of the many gravel roads out there.

Here's a scene from last winter ....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a/DSC00110.jpg

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 6971429)

The people to the north of us two lifted F250s, an F350 crew cab, a small JD and several lifted Jeeps they use only off the road.

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 6971429)

Our neighbours to the south have an F150. The people beyond them an old F250, a new F250 King Ranch, a 90hp John Deere, two other tractors, a skid steer, a JD Gator and several large trucks. The people across the road have an F150, another truck and a Case with a loader. The people to the north of us two lifted F250s, an F350 crew cab, a small JD and several lifted Jeeps they use only off the road. Maybe I'm in Alberta.

Originally Posted by Little D (Post 6971623)

We lived in Okotoks last winter and had absolutely no problems with our Dodge Caravan fitted with all-season tires. We did a few trips to the mountains too!

They do clear the roads pretty quick, and as long as you take it easy on the uncleared roads on the developments, you'll be fine!

Originally Posted by iaink (Post 6969822)

Heavy, FWD, Snow Tires = No problem. Mostly they have standard traction control anyway.

Why would you go for a SUV with less practical space? The AWD vans usually start off life as up spec before AWD is added, same is true of many cars too, hence the heavy sticker shock...Subaru are the only people who seem to do base spec with AWD. Subaru with snow tires is the choice for my family in the winter, but as everyone else has said, winter tires are far more important than AWD for safety.

Originally Posted by Steve_P (Post 6971658)

Spooky. :D

Originally Posted by triumphguy (Post 6973033)

BTW I ride my motorbike throughout winter - when the roads are clear and the temp is above freezing.

Originally Posted by maggieg (Post 6969236)

I am about to move over to Okotoks in the new year. Everything is booked and am thinking about what car to buy. As you only get a few days 'snow' a year and the roads are cleared quickly (so I am told) do I really need a big 4 wheel drive truck. I would like to work with the environment, and get a smaller car or a hybrid.

I won't be doing too much driving, just around town and trips to calgary.

Originally Posted by iaink (Post 6973043)

I guess they dont dump the tons and tons of gravel and sand on the road there that they do in Ontario. Riding a bike in Ontario any time until about April or May, when the roads finaly get swept clean, is just asking to hit a patch of gravel and come off:(

Originally Posted by Almost Canadian (Post 6969245)

No, any car with all season tires will be fine, if you are ultra cautious, then have winter tires fitted. Very few people in Calgary and the surrounding areas have 4-wheel drive simply because of the snow.

If you want to work with the environment, you are moving to the wrong country. Here it is virtually mandatory to leave your huge car running whilst waiting 15 mins to be served at the local drive-through, to use your vehicle to move from one end of the parking lot to the other, and to have your home heated to 25 degrees all day and night, even though you are out working for most of the day :rofl::p