Chains are likely cheaper as the Michelins are $400 each + tax

 

Still worth it.
Chains stink!!
I'm wondering if they would have a problem with the stock tires, they are pretty "streety" (if that's a word??)

 

In all likelihood, you will be asked to wear chains. The only time that you may get by is if you have tires that have the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol.

 

I know I have driven the LX470 into the North Carolina mountains many times on ski missions. As long as there was just snow, I had little problem, it was the glare or black ice that really degraded the traction, even chains were only marginally effective.

 

If I find out, I'll post it.
My 470 never got stopped and most 4wd/awd dont.
It's supposed to be 4wd with m/s tires, but in all my years I never have been stopped (except that one year with the dually, then was allowed to pass).
I know my 470 was much better than my previous car (stock Escalade). The first year with the 470 I was behind an Escalade and saw it slip on the same hills I had traction. Amazing awd system!!

 

I regularly drive on snow, in mountain conditions. Was never stopped during snowstorms or road checks. Never needed chains, and I stress that I drive and live in mountain region. So I would not be too concerned, IMHO.

 

Living and driving in the snow I'm sure you're an experienced driver that knows how to drive in the snow and ice. We usually have 1 or 2 people off the side of the road thinking that you can go 40mph on ice...I guess you can go 40, you just go 40 into a ditch..

 

I"m from Russia originally, driving on snow is just a basic skill that you get. Never mind rally lessons

But to original point - the LX has great traction and is really simple on snow (only a FWD car would be simpler). The only REAL danger (and I mean it), is to drive downhill. It just would not stop, period. So you have to account for it and plan accordingly.