I work at a ski hill and spend 5 to 7 days a week driving over 20 kilometers on the mountain roads.
I know you are talking studded, but the latest generation of studless snow tires are pretty darned impressive. Before you buy, get a quote on the brand new Michelin X-Ice 3. It sounds most excellent, with interlocking 3D siping which helps improve lateral grip (for good handling on those mountain roads.) I have ordered a set for my '10 Acura TL SH-AWD from our friends Discount Tires, and should have them within a couple of days. I have X-Ice 2 tires on two of my three other vehicles - the older version is a little mushy in terms of handling, but otherwise excellent. I am hoping the X-Ice 3 fixes that one small complaint...
Read this, and do some Googling fo more info. ...
http://www.auto123.com/en/auto-parts/michelin-x-ice-3-winter-tire-test?artid=140353&pg=1
Regardless of whether you get studs or not, you would be happiest if you pick a European tire. Most of these are optimized for great handling, where the Oriental tires seem more optimized for straight line grip (braking). You want lots of lateral grip for all those mountain curves. The Nokians are top grade but expensive and a more than a little hard to find in stores.
Without studs you would give up a little grip on smooth ice (but not as much as you think), and in return you can run them longer (you don't have to obey the state studded tire deadlines) and they are much more friendly on clear pavement (quieter and better grip and not so destructive to the road surface).
John Davies
Spokane WA USA