what works on mud does not necessarily work equally well on snow. The VX has near 50/50 wight distribution, which is essential to good handling. However, I opted to buy four snow tires, Toyo Observe, on stock 16-inch rims. Bridgestone makes the Blizzak, also an excellent snow tire. The ideal snow tire will feature a soft compound which actually grows stickier (I'm told) with lower temp's. The two mentioned above feature this.

I too have driven in snow all my life, including NYC, NH, and now, North Idaho. I don't do winter without snow tires. "Mud and snow" radials are an oximoron. The texture and resulting dynamics in mud vs. snow are very, very, different.

I urge you to invest in snow tires. You don't need 18-inch. You can to with 16-inch.

Hope this helps.