If you’re trying to decide what winter tires to get for your truck, SUV, or adventure rig, you’re in the right place. In this article, we take an in-depth look at winter tire safety and why Les Schwab’s Mazama Open Range A/T (all-terrain) Plus tire is worth considering. Winter driving can be unpredictable: icy roads, sudden snowstorms, torrential downpours, and steep mountain passes all demand tires that can handle more than just dry pavement. We’ll explore why winter tire safety matters, what makes the Mazama Open Range A/T Plus unique, additionally winter safety considerations, and finally, our verdict on whether they’re the right choice for your winter adventures.

This post was created in partnership with Les Schwab. As always, all opinions, experiences, and thoughts are our own.

Full review of best the best all-terrain tires for winter driving

How we found out (the hard way) that proper tires in winter are ESSENTIAL

Before I jump into the details of tires, I want to share a quick (scary) story… A few years ago, we had one of the scariest winter driving experiences of our lives. We were driving our campervan up a narrow old forest road. On the driver’s side was a sheer drop to a river far below. Everything was going fine until we hit an icy patch. Suddenly, we lost all forward momentum and started sliding backward toward the cliff.

Our tires were the original ones that came with the van, and the conditions weren’t snowy enough to justify chains yet (so we thought). As we slowly inched backward, all we could think about was how little control we had. We were also miles from cell service! I (Ami) jumped out of the van and carefully installed our tire chains. Thankfully, after nearly 2 hours of careful maneuvering, we got the van back down the road to safety. But that experience changed the way I think about tire care. It was a wake-up call that the right tires aren’t optional – they’re essential.

Why Winter Tire Safety Matters

Driving in winter conditions isn’t just about slowing down and being careful. Your tires are the only parts of your vehicle that touch the road, and their grip on snow, ice, and wet roads can mean the difference between a safe trip and a dangerous slide.

All-terrain tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating meet industry standards for severe snow. Below, you can see what the standard Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol looks like, which is the outline of a mountain with a snowflake inside. All tires with this rating have this symbol stamped on the side wall of the tire. This symbol isn’t just marketing; it means the tire has passed traction tests in winter conditions. If you’re planning trips through mountain passes or rural roads, this rating is essential.

How to know what type of tire is right for you

There is a huge difference between tire types, and it’s important to understand when and where to use them. It’s worth noting that the tires that come stock from the vehicle manufacturer are often chosen for cost efficiency rather than top-tier performance, which means upgrading to a higher-quality tire can significantly improve safety and handling in challenging conditions. Below, I describe a few tires common on most passenger vehicles.

• Winter/Snow Tires: Designed specifically for cold temperatures, snow, and ice. They use softer rubber compounds and deep tread patterns to maintain grip in freezing conditions. Many carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning they meet severe snow service standards.
• All-Season Tires: Built for year-round use in moderate climates. They perform well on dry and wet roads but are not ideal for extreme cold or heavy snow. They’re a compromise between summer and winter performance.
• All-Terrain Tires (this is what we have): Made for versatility, these tires handle both paved roads and off-road surfaces like gravel, dirt, and light snow. They have a more aggressive tread pattern than all-season tires, offering better traction for adventure vehicles. Many carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.
• All-Weather Tires: Similar to all-season tires but with improved winter performance. They often carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, making them suitable for areas with occasional snow without needing a seasonal tire swap.
• Highway Tires: Designed for smooth, quiet rides on paved roads. They prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and long tread life, making them ideal for daily commuting and long highway trips.
• Mud-Terrain Tires: Built for extreme off-road conditions, these tires have large, chunky tread blocks for maximum traction in mud, sand, and loose dirt. They’re noisy on pavement and wear faster on highways but excel in rugged terrain.

Les Schwab’s Mazama Open Range All Terrain (A/T) Plus tire: what you need to know

Since we drive year-round in challenging conditions, we need tires that can handle everything from icy highways to rugged forest roads. That’s why we chose the Mazama Open Range A/T Plus. It gives us confidence in every season and on every road.

The Mazama Open Range A/T Plus is Les Schwab’s flagship all-terrain tire, built for year-round performance and engineered to handle winter conditions with confidence. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, meaning it meets industry standards for severe snow conditions and delivers reliable traction on snow and ice. Its highly rigid tread design improves handling and braking on wet, dry, and snowy roads, while sipes (tiny slits in the tread) enhance grip and road contact during winter driving.

Comfort and durability are also part of the design. The tire is designed to reduce road noise and improve ride comfort, giving you a quieter experience on the highway and on rugged terrain. To top it off, the Mazama Open Range A/T Plus comes with Les Schwab’s tire warranty, including 60-day satisfaction guarantee and free lifetime services, like tire rotations, flat repairs, and air checks. It’s a tire that combines performance, safety, and long-term value for drivers who want confidence in all conditions.

Comparing different all-terrain tires

Les Schwab offers many different types of all-terrain tires, which we considered when picking our set! The Mazama Open Range A/T Plus is one of Les Schwab’s highest rated tires compared to some of their other all-terrain tire options, which you can see below. The Mazama Open Range A/T Plus is one of the more expensive tire models, but it gives us extra confidence to tackle unpredictable conditions. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification and all-terrain design make it ideal for ever-changing weather and remote travel, while the added comfort and reduced road noise make long drives more enjoyable. So far, we have loved them!

Tips for winter driving safety

Beyond just what tire you have, when it comes to winter driving safety, a few simple habits can also make a big difference. It’s important to be familiar with these on the road: 

• Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly because cold weather naturally lowers the pressure, which can affect traction and handling. Les Schwab offers free tire inflation if you own their tires. 
• Tread Depth: Inspect your tread depth as well. 6/32 of an inch is considered the minimum tread depth for reliable winter traction, and anything less can compromise your grip on icy roads. Les Schwab offers free tread depth assessments. 
• Tire Rotation: Rotating your tires on schedule (usually every 5,000 miles) helps ensure even wear, which is especially important when conditions are unpredictable. Les Schwab offers free tire rotations if you own their tires. 
• Emergency kit: Finally, always carry an emergency kit that includes essentials like tire chains, gloves, a safety vest, and a flashlight, so you’re prepared for sudden tire maintenance in inclement weather.

Pre-trip safety check: Les Schwab offers free pre-trip safety checks to all customers (even if you don’t own their tires!). During your safety check appointment, they offer complimentary inspections of your tires, brakes, struts, and battery.

Why tire chains still matter (even with 4WD)

Even with the right tires and good habits, some winter conditions call for extra traction. That’s where tire chains come in. Chains provide an extra layer of grip that even advanced tires can’t match when conditions are severe. Les Schwab offers Quick Fit chains that are easy to install and designed for modern vehicles, making them a practical solution for winter travel. To help drivers feel confident before they need them, some Les Schwab stores even offer live demonstrations on a practice tire, so you can learn how to put chains on without the pressure during a roadside emergency.

How to install chains and drive safely

Installing tire chains and driving safely in winter conditions doesn’t have to be intimidating if you follow a few key steps. The most important thing you can do is practice before you hit the road, so you’re not learning in the middle of a snowstorm. Here are some quick tips: 

• If you have a four-wheel-drive or an all-wheel drive vehicle, it’s usually best to install chains on all four wheels for balanced traction, but be sure to always check your owners manual for guidance on your specific model. 
• If you have front-wheel drive, install chains only on the front tires.
• If you have rear-wheel drive, install chains only on the back tires. 

Once you’re on the road, keep your speed under 30 miles per hour and remove the chains as soon as the roads clear to avoid damaging your tires or the pavement. For detailed instructions and visuals, check out Les Schwab’s full video tutorial, which walks you through the process step by step. Always follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual and manufacturer instructions when installing tire chains.

Final thoughts on winter driving and the Mazama Open Range A/T Plus tire

Winter driving demands more than caution – it requires the right equipment. Choosing tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, maintaining proper pressure and tread depth, and carrying tire chains for extreme conditions can make all the difference. For us, the Mazama Open Range A/T Plus from Les Schwab delivers the versatility and confidence we need for year-round adventures. We have loved our Mazama Open Range A/T Plus, and would absolutely recommend them for extra peace of mind. Being prepared now means less stress when the weather turns.