skiing elkhunter

Had 04 forester, sold to buy a 02 Lexus rx300. Still have the Lexus with 204k and going strong. Traded in Prius C for the Outback with all the cool new safety and comfort features. Plan on many long road trips finding out of the way places for birding, wildlife photo ops and Adventure. Lexus was perfect for such past trips, but am excited to have a new car that will be better in snow and have more clearance. Also get a little nervous taking a car with over 200k to remote locations. Can't wait for La Nina to come back to the NW this coming winter!

Will do thanks!!!!!!

What is the part called that is plastic and runs the length of both doors. Its UNDER the doors, wraps slightly under the car and is about 4 Inches tall and5-6 feet long. Can't find on web. any help appreciated. Bob

Want to have 15" wheels and tires for winter form my 04 forester x. Has 205/60/16 now, but want narrower tires and 15 inch rims for better snow grip and lower cost. Any body know what size will be best? also what size rim to get? Just basic steel for snow tires. New to this forum type of searching, so bear with me.- Bob

Thanks for your input.

Just signed up. Found a very low milage 2004 forester on Craigs list so I bought it. Had blowout with the original geolander tires while 40 miles out on a gravel road, so when I got back to civilization i put on a siped set of Les schwabs toyo z800's. Now i am considering getting 4 snow tires as I ski 2-3 days a week. Problen is i live in seattle where it rains more than snows. 45 minutes to the snow. Trying to decide on new studless winter tires or conventional studs. Very experienced snow driver and loved the extra traction of studs on older cars while living in eastern WA., where its snowier on a day to day basis. What is is the proper -tire sizing from my 215/60/16 tires.? Any opinions on studs or studess? Thanks- Skiing elkhunter.