A6 Quattro Winter Driving with 4-season tires

[billski]

I'm a big skier and my 06 A6 Quattro needs new tires.

I'm thinking about some 4-season tires that can last until next winter, then get a set of winter tires at that time, to spread out the expense.

Any comments on ski-adventure-driving on 4-season tires on quattro? My daily metro-Boston commute is 50 miles round trip on the highway. I will be doing trips to the Vermont and New Hampshire mountains, and usually drive only on plowed, but occasionally snow-packed roads. Sometimes find myself in a storm for a few hours, though I usually wait it out or get there early, so it's only a few miles.

On a related note, when I go for winter tires next year, I thought about getting 16"s (17 is on it now) for a tad more snow clearance, but I've read some bad vibes about that.

I'm not interested in or need performance. I drive pretty conservatively; most handling issues (other than ice and snow) are usually lost on me. Recommended tires are appreciated.

Thanks.