It always seems people pick between the X-Ice and the Blizzaks. I've probably posted this two or three years running, but I did some research and concluded that General Tire Altimax Artics performed essentially just as well, with a much smaller price tag.
http://www.generaltire.ca/productdet...d=altimaxartic
I have these for both my cars. The wear on them is awesome too, 5 years on my first car and still lots of tread left - at least 2 or 3 more seasons if not more.