Snow is a funny thing. I find narrow tires are better if you are bucking piled up snow. They cut through it better. If you are driving on snowy slick surfaces where you don't sink down then something else might be better. Also narrow tires don't airplane on wet surfaces near as much. Too bad they don't look cool.

 

Your exactly right. Narrow tires are better. That is why you always see SUV's with wide bling bling wheels in the ditches on the side of the road 1996 bmw auto repair mechanic hillsboro oregon

 

Update...new wheels have been purchased. I settled on MB Wheels Torque's in 17" x 8.5" with a -10 offset. For tires, it was BF Goodrich All Terrains with the white letters out in 285 70 17's. This combo brought the front wheels out pretty flush with the factory fender flares. I will have to trim about 1/2" of plastic off of the lower air dam/trim on the bottom of the front bumper, but otherwise there sould be no rubbing. This combo fills the wheel wells nicely. Speedo is off by 4 or 5 mph. I have not determined the rear spacers/adapters as of yet, i'll have to wait until the weather breaks until I can take some measurements. I hope this helps others in there search for new wheels....