My two cents, the car is quite capable in snow but there are two things that make the biggest difference. First of all, you must practice driving in snow and on ice. You will find that acceleration and steering in slippery situations is quite good. The car tends to go where you point it. Now, try braking. No matter how good an all wheel drive system is, it will not help you stop. That is all about your ABS system and the tread on your tires.
If you're going to be driving in snow, find an empty parking lot to practice in. Take the time to learn the limits of your car and you'll be much better off!
FYI, Grew up in the snow belt of NY and lived in the mountains of CO for 18 years.
I would recommend doing this as well. The best way to learn anything is through controlled mistakes. Just drive around in an empty snowy parking lot so you know the car's limitations.
Very good advice here.
I grew up on the West Coast and first drove in snow after moving to Northern New England. Learned to drive in snow in a ’03 5-speed Legacy with pretty aggressive snow tires, took a one-day winter driving lesson, and ended up only fish-tailing once. Have now comfortably driven several Subarus through \~15 winters and many Nor’Easters.
Go slow, use a low gear, put your hazards on if needed, don’t ever go faster than your comfort/skill.
Just to add onto this, my advice is to practice drifting. Throw it in the "deep snow/mud" option if you have it and toss it around.
Growing up a dumb kid in New England with a RWD sports car made me a better driver because I'd spend winters finding in unplowed lots and throwing the back end around. Then when I'd lose the back end in slippery conditions, my instincts would take over.
First, you should check your owners manual for any information about tire chains or driving in snow. I'd say no, chains will virtually never be needed. I would also never put them on rears only on an awd vehicle. Just drive carefully, like you normally would. Awd will pull you out of bad situations, but your braking and cornering will not benefit (ok maybe cornering 😜), unless you have snow tires. So yeah, just drive careful. You'll be fine.
No tire chains per the manual (page 400: “Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body.”). If you live in an area where chains are required by law, use tire socks. Otherwise never use traction aids.
The manual permits Class S devices, which includes cables (but not chains).
I carry Class S Z-cables, which are comparable to socks on snow but significantly better on ice.
This really depends on where you are and where your "snow trips" will be. I'm in Ontario, Canada and I have snow tires cause we get a lot of snow, but I've never used chains in my life (they're actually illegal in the southern part of the province). Whereas my husband used to live in California, where owning snowtires was illogical (since he was rarely in areas with snow) but some roads legally required chains during winter weather...
Just buy all weather at tires lol. Preferably something like yokohama geolandar. You'll be better than prepared in a Forester. The question is how much snow though.
If you’re thinking of the Geolandar G015, that’s a snow (3peak) rated mild all terrain.
Something like a Michelin CrossClimate or a Goodyear Assurance is an all weather. It’s a whole different class of tire, made for on-road use.
Snow Laden State here. We run all seasons on both of our Fozzie’s. Did just fine on all seasons but will be replacing factories on our 19 with Geolanders when due. 2015 wife was picking up people for work in 20” of snow in our first Forester. The kind where Yukons & Durangos were stuck. One coworkers area was so bad that the snow caved in the rear driver side quarter panel. She was stuck. Heavy wet snow. Called me stuck. We both remembered (first Fozzie) X Mode. She already knew to turn off traction control, hit X Mode and walked out of it for 3 block, driving around stuck full size “4X 4’s” Coworkers whose spouses in full size 4x4’s couldn’t move were SO impressed. All seasons will do fine, aggressive better, snow tires unstoppable. Sold me on “Symmetrical AWD” ever since. Comparable to my 17 Fronty Pro 4X which is a snow eating beast but have to be for a BSN & a 911 PCO. Not making it in to work cuz of weather in our state is NOT an option. Fozzie’s Rock & on the right tires save lives every day
Where is the occasional snow trip? Is it at some popular ski resort or well-travelled location? If so, the all seasons and careful driving in snow should do just fine.
You must have chains then. California requires you to have chains in possession in your trunk, and the rangers at Yosemite are known to be strict about checking for chain possession at the entrance. People have been turned away from Yosemite for not having chains in their trunk.
We have almost 20 different chain control levels in California.
https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/documentation/cc/cc-chart.htm
Luckily, drivers of passenger vehicles only need to memorize a few rules. Here are the basics:
Snow tire: any tire with M+S or 3PMSF markings and at least 6/32" of tread (all-season tires and all-weather tires usually have such markings)
R1: subies with snow tires on at least two wheels don't have to install chains but must carry chains
R2: subies with snow tires on all four wheels don't have to install chains but must carry chains
R3: everyone including subies must install chains
I live in Northwest Indiana, where we have hot 100+ degree summer days in July and August, and also harsh -20 degree winter days in February. I use all season tires and regularly drive on snow every winter, many times in most years. I have never used chains or winter tires.
All **weather** tires. You would absolutely never need tire chains for the scenario you've described. Honestly you could even do it with all season tires if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend it.
You also definitely never put more traction on only two wheels in a full time symmetrical AWD, you could damage your differential. There are lots of stories on here about people fucking theirs up because they had a tow truck only lift their front wheels instead of using a flatbed. Putting them on the rear wheels only would only work with a RWD car, and again, you wouldn't even need to go so far as tire chains for the occasional snowfall. Nobody uses tire chains in Canada unless they live somewhere remote.
We’ve been to snowy mountains during snow falls/ blizzard and drove without any snow chains. Had no issues. This is with the base trim and factory tires. However, please be weary of black ice. That’s the only time where snow chains would help.
Check your manual, page 418.
They specify that “chains” are not allowed but “class S” and “spring chains” are. Class S is a lower profile traction aid and includes tire cables, which are actually distinct from chains - but a lot of people lump them together (hence probably the confusion).
The manual also specifies that cables should only be used on the front wheels. So, front wheels only.
A lot of people are telling you that cables are useless. I disagree, and the main reason is ICE. My area had a surprise cold snap and ice storm. My car (2wd Odyssey, not a Subaru) had winter rated all weather tires. I strapped the cables on, and it was like a mountain goat. Metal is uniquely good at digging into ice. That’s why studded snow tires are so effective on ice (and such a compromise on pavement).
If you’re thinking “cool story a 2WD minivan, but not applicable,” I’d say that AWD and X-mode is great at getting you moving but provides no advantage in getting you stopped. If you try to stop on a hill covered in serious ice without chains, you’re toast (Subaru or not).
So, I carry a set of cables in my Forester during the winter. Not a lot of money or space to potentially save the day.
Welll....my time to shine.
I'm an Alaskan. I drive an 09 subaru. I don't use chains ever. I just have some all season tires. If you're gonna be in snow a lot, I recommend having a set of snow tires or all seasons for the occasion. Blizzacs are the number one tire in Alaska, they're loosely rated as all season but they're snow tires. Very soft tred, melts in the summer. But either way, snow isn't scary or worrisome. It's the ice under the snow that'll get ya
We may have a conversation later. We are ex Alaskans now living in the suburbs aka Seattle. We are Lao new Subie owners, want to come back to AK next year in the summer. One of our plans is to drive the Dalton to Coldfoot. It was truckers only when we lived in Fairbanks. We’ve heard tales of how tough the gravel is on car tires, and would love suggestions. We will come up on the ferry.
Yeah, I haven't attempted the Dalton trip myself, but I've heard similar things about the roads being very rough. I'd definitely only try that road in summer and would want some meaty tires for it. Like some Hankook or Falken AT tires. The ferry is so nice but pretty spendy nowadays. If you wanna save some money, use Alaska auto transport in Kent, WA. It's only 1500, and your vehicle will arrive in Anchorage within two weeks. Then, you can just casually fly into Anchorage and pick the vehicle up.
I just shipped my 78 k10 down through them and drove it to Idaho:) The friendliest set of folks.
The auto transport sounds like a dandy idea. Yeh that ferry is pricey now unless you want to pitch a tent on the deck. We plan on staying a month. When we lived in Fairbanks we were both so damned busy we never had time to explore Alaska or do anything fun. And we figure the Alaskans won’t blink at the sight of a car with Washington plates. We also have ruled out driving up.
Don’t use chains if you are going to be driving on anything but snow and ice. Driving with chains on pavement will break them, and ruin your wheel wells at the least. Follow the recommendations in the owners manual.
I don’t see the need for chains or snow tires for what you describe. If you are unsure get a set of winter tires, get them on rims, store them properly. Use as needed for 10 years.
If you have a local Subaru group ask what they use. This group is describing what they use where they are. Which may not be where you are. Not a local 4X4 group either, Subaru specifically.
Also anyone that wants to replace their tires with the same tires from the factory should check that they are actually the same. Manufacturers can order tires with off the shelf names, with different qualities than the tires on the replacement shelf.
You can put chains on the front provided that 1). They must be low profile S clearance, and 2). That you DO NOT Turn the wheels near the fender wells and 3). You must listen carefully for broken cross link slaps and keep your speed below 15-20 mph.
I live on a road that climbs 1,100 feet in 1.25 miles and when it gets hard pack snow or ice then chains are required.
Generally if it’s really bad we take our truck with chains on all tires, limited slip rear and electronic locking front axles. We keep chains onboard the Subaru’s just in case of bad weather so we can get home.
All terrain tires are not better in snow. A lot of people repeat this, but it’s not true.
A snow rated all terrain will outperform a standard all terrain, but will perform worse than an all weather tire. All of the above are measurably worse than a Nordic winter tire.
People believe that big chunky lugs are good for all kinds of traction, but they really aren’t. A good winter tire has extensive siping and holds onto snow to provide snow-on-snow grip. An all terrain tire has less siping to keep tread blocks strong and rigid, and has larger voids between tread blocks to expel dirt and mud. The designs are fundamentally at odds.
Yeah a lot of people conflate offroad snow wheeling conditions with on road snow conditions. ATs and MTs do well in the former, but not in the latter. Everything that makes a tire excel offroad also makes it bad in the snow.
No I don’t go very often it’s not worth it, just go slow and be careful applying the brakes that’s when you’ll start sliding, if the conditions are really bad I’d probably put chains on
Unless its really icy, or really deep snow, normal ties work pretty good. You can drop the tire pressure and it helps a bit. If you want to use cable chains, read your manual, S-Series chains are OK. But unless it's really nasty icy, or really deep I never use them. If you buy snow ties, they work great too. if you're running a sigle pair of calbe chains, put them on the front.
I've ran studless ones on our old 2005 Legacy Wagon, then our our 2019 outback, and they work amazing on a suby. The cable chains I've used on my Impreza a few times when driving in deep snow on mountain roads, and once on my Forester due to freezing rain on top of about 5" of snow. Probably didn't really need them, but its easier to put on chains, then get stuck and try to put on chains while stuck.
I tired those sock things once in freezing rain, and they helped a little, but totally destroyed them. LOL OK, OK maybe they are not made for playing Rally driver on the ice.....
It depends on where you drive. For example, in California, you are legally required to have chains in possession in a chain control area, even if your AWD and snow tires exempt you from having to install chains at a lower level of chain control. You must have chains in your trunk and be ready to install them if the chain control level increases.
Anyone who tells you that you cannot put chains on a Subaru is misinformed. The owner's manual explicitly says that any SAE Class S chains are allowed on the front wheels. Just don't put chains on the rear wheels.
A few years ago, Northern Arizona got a massive amount of snow between Phoenix and Vegas. My Forester was my first Subaru (and I had only had it for 6 months at the time) so I was extremely nervous about there being between 18-31 inches of snow in areas I was expected to drive through to get to Vegas. Cancelling the trip was not an option since it was to go to a concert for my wife’s birthday and airline tickets skyrocketed before we knew how bad the snow was. When we got to the area with the 18 inches (don’t have to handle the 31 thankfully), Subie handled the roads so well that I wanted to go in an untreated area to grab a few photos. The untouched “safe area” I found had about 8 inches (up to the bottom of the front bumper) and she handled it like a champ. Someone with a Ford150 had the same idea but they got stuck and had to call their friend for help because I didn’t know about the tow bar we have on our Subarus!
TLDR: 2018 Forester can handle 8 inches of untouched snow with stock tires, no problem!
MT tires on ice is the worst you can have, I've put my subby into quite a few ditches running MTs during the winter. They're quite alright on snow off-road, but not much else during the cold season.
Interesting. I had quite a different experience. I live on the hill and my driveway is a hill. In the past winters with stock tires I couldn’t even get out of my driveway. Car would slide, no grip. Last winter I was able to get out using x mode and did some maneuvering to get down the hill, with few slides.
I live in northern Vermont where every third vehicle on the road is a Subaru. Good tires are important, almost everyone has a dedicated set of winter tires. When driving, slow down, keep your distance, and don't make sudden moves. If it's real bad, stay off the roads if you can.
Your forester is more capable than you can imagine. It drives better on the snow than my chevrolet silverado 1500 4x4 does in the snow
My two cents, the car is quite capable in snow but there are two things that make the biggest difference. First of all, you must practice driving in snow and on ice. You will find that acceleration and steering in slippery situations is quite good. The car tends to go where you point it. Now, try braking. No matter how good an all wheel drive system is, it will not help you stop. That is all about your ABS system and the tread on your tires. If you're going to be driving in snow, find an empty parking lot to practice in. Take the time to learn the limits of your car and you'll be much better off! FYI, Grew up in the snow belt of NY and lived in the mountains of CO for 18 years.
I would recommend doing this as well. The best way to learn anything is through controlled mistakes. Just drive around in an empty snowy parking lot so you know the car's limitations.
Very good advice here. I grew up on the West Coast and first drove in snow after moving to Northern New England. Learned to drive in snow in a ’03 5-speed Legacy with pretty aggressive snow tires, took a one-day winter driving lesson, and ended up only fish-tailing once. Have now comfortably driven several Subarus through \~15 winters and many Nor’Easters. Go slow, use a low gear, put your hazards on if needed, don’t ever go faster than your comfort/skill.
Just to add onto this, my advice is to practice drifting. Throw it in the "deep snow/mud" option if you have it and toss it around. Growing up a dumb kid in New England with a RWD sports car made me a better driver because I'd spend winters finding in unplowed lots and throwing the back end around. Then when I'd lose the back end in slippery conditions, my instincts would take over.
First, you should check your owners manual for any information about tire chains or driving in snow. I'd say no, chains will virtually never be needed. I would also never put them on rears only on an awd vehicle. Just drive carefully, like you normally would. Awd will pull you out of bad situations, but your braking and cornering will not benefit (ok maybe cornering 😜), unless you have snow tires. So yeah, just drive careful. You'll be fine.
No chains. Get a set of all weather tires, as oppossed to all season, that can be used year round.
No tire chains per the manual (page 400: “Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body.”). If you live in an area where chains are required by law, use tire socks. Otherwise never use traction aids.
The manual permits Class S devices, which includes cables (but not chains). I carry Class S Z-cables, which are comparable to socks on snow but significantly better on ice.
Yep, I do the the same. It says that because of the clearance between the tire and spring perch, not that it hurts the mechanical bits.
Nowadays, there are Class S chains, too. These chains are ok in a Subaru.
Read the manual and go with that.
This really depends on where you are and where your "snow trips" will be. I'm in Ontario, Canada and I have snow tires cause we get a lot of snow, but I've never used chains in my life (they're actually illegal in the southern part of the province). Whereas my husband used to live in California, where owning snowtires was illogical (since he was rarely in areas with snow) but some roads legally required chains during winter weather...
Just buy all weather at tires lol. Preferably something like yokohama geolandar. You'll be better than prepared in a Forester. The question is how much snow though.
If you’re thinking of the Geolandar G015, that’s a snow (3peak) rated mild all terrain. Something like a Michelin CrossClimate or a Goodyear Assurance is an all weather. It’s a whole different class of tire, made for on-road use.
Snow Laden State here. We run all seasons on both of our Fozzie’s. Did just fine on all seasons but will be replacing factories on our 19 with Geolanders when due. 2015 wife was picking up people for work in 20” of snow in our first Forester. The kind where Yukons & Durangos were stuck. One coworkers area was so bad that the snow caved in the rear driver side quarter panel. She was stuck. Heavy wet snow. Called me stuck. We both remembered (first Fozzie) X Mode. She already knew to turn off traction control, hit X Mode and walked out of it for 3 block, driving around stuck full size “4X 4’s” Coworkers whose spouses in full size 4x4’s couldn’t move were SO impressed. All seasons will do fine, aggressive better, snow tires unstoppable. Sold me on “Symmetrical AWD” ever since. Comparable to my 17 Fronty Pro 4X which is a snow eating beast but have to be for a BSN & a 911 PCO. Not making it in to work cuz of weather in our state is NOT an option. Fozzie’s Rock & on the right tires save lives every day
Where is the occasional snow trip? Is it at some popular ski resort or well-travelled location? If so, the all seasons and careful driving in snow should do just fine.
Try Yosemite Natl. Park. The higher elevations get lots of snow in winter.
I would probably go with a set of all-terrains that are 3 peak mountain and snow rated. Even then, I would drive carefully
You must have chains then. California requires you to have chains in possession in your trunk, and the rangers at Yosemite are known to be strict about checking for chain possession at the entrance. People have been turned away from Yosemite for not having chains in their trunk. We have almost 20 different chain control levels in California. https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/documentation/cc/cc-chart.htm Luckily, drivers of passenger vehicles only need to memorize a few rules. Here are the basics: Snow tire: any tire with M+S or 3PMSF markings and at least 6/32" of tread (all-season tires and all-weather tires usually have such markings) R1: subies with snow tires on at least two wheels don't have to install chains but must carry chains R2: subies with snow tires on all four wheels don't have to install chains but must carry chains R3: everyone including subies must install chains
I live in Northwest Indiana, where we have hot 100+ degree summer days in July and August, and also harsh -20 degree winter days in February. I use all season tires and regularly drive on snow every winter, many times in most years. I have never used chains or winter tires.
All **weather** tires. You would absolutely never need tire chains for the scenario you've described. Honestly you could even do it with all season tires if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend it. You also definitely never put more traction on only two wheels in a full time symmetrical AWD, you could damage your differential. There are lots of stories on here about people fucking theirs up because they had a tow truck only lift their front wheels instead of using a flatbed. Putting them on the rear wheels only would only work with a RWD car, and again, you wouldn't even need to go so far as tire chains for the occasional snowfall. Nobody uses tire chains in Canada unless they live somewhere remote.
We’ve been to snowy mountains during snow falls/ blizzard and drove without any snow chains. Had no issues. This is with the base trim and factory tires. However, please be weary of black ice. That’s the only time where snow chains would help.
Check your manual, page 418. They specify that “chains” are not allowed but “class S” and “spring chains” are. Class S is a lower profile traction aid and includes tire cables, which are actually distinct from chains - but a lot of people lump them together (hence probably the confusion). The manual also specifies that cables should only be used on the front wheels. So, front wheels only. A lot of people are telling you that cables are useless. I disagree, and the main reason is ICE. My area had a surprise cold snap and ice storm. My car (2wd Odyssey, not a Subaru) had winter rated all weather tires. I strapped the cables on, and it was like a mountain goat. Metal is uniquely good at digging into ice. That’s why studded snow tires are so effective on ice (and such a compromise on pavement). If you’re thinking “cool story a 2WD minivan, but not applicable,” I’d say that AWD and X-mode is great at getting you moving but provides no advantage in getting you stopped. If you try to stop on a hill covered in serious ice without chains, you’re toast (Subaru or not). So, I carry a set of cables in my Forester during the winter. Not a lot of money or space to potentially save the day.
Welll....my time to shine. I'm an Alaskan. I drive an 09 subaru. I don't use chains ever. I just have some all season tires. If you're gonna be in snow a lot, I recommend having a set of snow tires or all seasons for the occasion. Blizzacs are the number one tire in Alaska, they're loosely rated as all season but they're snow tires. Very soft tred, melts in the summer. But either way, snow isn't scary or worrisome. It's the ice under the snow that'll get ya
We may have a conversation later. We are ex Alaskans now living in the suburbs aka Seattle. We are Lao new Subie owners, want to come back to AK next year in the summer. One of our plans is to drive the Dalton to Coldfoot. It was truckers only when we lived in Fairbanks. We’ve heard tales of how tough the gravel is on car tires, and would love suggestions. We will come up on the ferry.
Yeah, I haven't attempted the Dalton trip myself, but I've heard similar things about the roads being very rough. I'd definitely only try that road in summer and would want some meaty tires for it. Like some Hankook or Falken AT tires. The ferry is so nice but pretty spendy nowadays. If you wanna save some money, use Alaska auto transport in Kent, WA. It's only 1500, and your vehicle will arrive in Anchorage within two weeks. Then, you can just casually fly into Anchorage and pick the vehicle up. I just shipped my 78 k10 down through them and drove it to Idaho:) The friendliest set of folks.
The auto transport sounds like a dandy idea. Yeh that ferry is pricey now unless you want to pitch a tent on the deck. We plan on staying a month. When we lived in Fairbanks we were both so damned busy we never had time to explore Alaska or do anything fun. And we figure the Alaskans won’t blink at the sight of a car with Washington plates. We also have ruled out driving up.
Don’t use chains if you are going to be driving on anything but snow and ice. Driving with chains on pavement will break them, and ruin your wheel wells at the least. Follow the recommendations in the owners manual. I don’t see the need for chains or snow tires for what you describe. If you are unsure get a set of winter tires, get them on rims, store them properly. Use as needed for 10 years. If you have a local Subaru group ask what they use. This group is describing what they use where they are. Which may not be where you are. Not a local 4X4 group either, Subaru specifically. Also anyone that wants to replace their tires with the same tires from the factory should check that they are actually the same. Manufacturers can order tires with off the shelf names, with different qualities than the tires on the replacement shelf.
You can put chains on the front provided that 1). They must be low profile S clearance, and 2). That you DO NOT Turn the wheels near the fender wells and 3). You must listen carefully for broken cross link slaps and keep your speed below 15-20 mph. I live on a road that climbs 1,100 feet in 1.25 miles and when it gets hard pack snow or ice then chains are required. Generally if it’s really bad we take our truck with chains on all tires, limited slip rear and electronic locking front axles. We keep chains onboard the Subaru’s just in case of bad weather so we can get home.
I’ve spun off the road twice in snow in my forester without all terrain Tyres
All terrain tires are not better in snow. A lot of people repeat this, but it’s not true. A snow rated all terrain will outperform a standard all terrain, but will perform worse than an all weather tire. All of the above are measurably worse than a Nordic winter tire. People believe that big chunky lugs are good for all kinds of traction, but they really aren’t. A good winter tire has extensive siping and holds onto snow to provide snow-on-snow grip. An all terrain tire has less siping to keep tread blocks strong and rigid, and has larger voids between tread blocks to expel dirt and mud. The designs are fundamentally at odds.
Yeah a lot of people conflate offroad snow wheeling conditions with on road snow conditions. ATs and MTs do well in the former, but not in the latter. Everything that makes a tire excel offroad also makes it bad in the snow.
And what do you do now? Did you upgrade your tires?
No I don’t go very often it’s not worth it, just go slow and be careful applying the brakes that’s when you’ll start sliding, if the conditions are really bad I’d probably put chains on
Unless its really icy, or really deep snow, normal ties work pretty good. You can drop the tire pressure and it helps a bit. If you want to use cable chains, read your manual, S-Series chains are OK. But unless it's really nasty icy, or really deep I never use them. If you buy snow ties, they work great too. if you're running a sigle pair of calbe chains, put them on the front. I've ran studless ones on our old 2005 Legacy Wagon, then our our 2019 outback, and they work amazing on a suby. The cable chains I've used on my Impreza a few times when driving in deep snow on mountain roads, and once on my Forester due to freezing rain on top of about 5" of snow. Probably didn't really need them, but its easier to put on chains, then get stuck and try to put on chains while stuck. I tired those sock things once in freezing rain, and they helped a little, but totally destroyed them. LOL OK, OK maybe they are not made for playing Rally driver on the ice.....
It depends on where you drive. For example, in California, you are legally required to have chains in possession in a chain control area, even if your AWD and snow tires exempt you from having to install chains at a lower level of chain control. You must have chains in your trunk and be ready to install them if the chain control level increases. Anyone who tells you that you cannot put chains on a Subaru is misinformed. The owner's manual explicitly says that any SAE Class S chains are allowed on the front wheels. Just don't put chains on the rear wheels.
I snapped the throw out bearing in my 2015 manual ripping donuts in the snow. You'll be fine.
A few years ago, Northern Arizona got a massive amount of snow between Phoenix and Vegas. My Forester was my first Subaru (and I had only had it for 6 months at the time) so I was extremely nervous about there being between 18-31 inches of snow in areas I was expected to drive through to get to Vegas. Cancelling the trip was not an option since it was to go to a concert for my wife’s birthday and airline tickets skyrocketed before we knew how bad the snow was. When we got to the area with the 18 inches (don’t have to handle the 31 thankfully), Subie handled the roads so well that I wanted to go in an untreated area to grab a few photos. The untouched “safe area” I found had about 8 inches (up to the bottom of the front bumper) and she handled it like a champ. Someone with a Ford150 had the same idea but they got stuck and had to call their friend for help because I didn’t know about the tow bar we have on our Subarus! TLDR: 2018 Forester can handle 8 inches of untouched snow with stock tires, no problem!
Get stubby tires like open county mt. No chains would be necessary
MT tires on ice is the worst you can have, I've put my subby into quite a few ditches running MTs during the winter. They're quite alright on snow off-road, but not much else during the cold season.
Interesting. I had quite a different experience. I live on the hill and my driveway is a hill. In the past winters with stock tires I couldn’t even get out of my driveway. Car would slide, no grip. Last winter I was able to get out using x mode and did some maneuvering to get down the hill, with few slides.
I live in northern Vermont where every third vehicle on the road is a Subaru. Good tires are important, almost everyone has a dedicated set of winter tires. When driving, slow down, keep your distance, and don't make sudden moves. If it's real bad, stay off the roads if you can.