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4WD and AWD help a lot in unplowed snow and on slopes. Our house in TN was in a subdivision with an access road with a 15 degree slope. Our 4WD Ranger (actually 3wd due to the open rear differential) would climb the slope without problem with a full 55 gallon drum of water tied down against the front of the bed for traction. To get down I would lock the hubs, put it in 4wd low, and let it creep down under engine braking. Any touching of the brakes would lock the rear and start a slide. Once we got rid of the Ranger would had to use chains on the VW and that was a huge hassle.
Same with the cabin we rented with a few other people for ski patrol season. Even with chains the Prius couldn't make it up the hill due to the horribly aggressive traction control. We had to park at the bottom of the road in a parking lot and ride in a friend's 4wd Tacoma.
For general driving on plowed and maintained roads snow tires are great and should be the first step for anyone. A 4wd or AWD vehicle on all-season tires is worse than a 2wd vehicle on snow tires. However, 4WD AND snow tires are best and required in some situations.
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