It's as good as any light front-wheel-drive car, though
you should enhance traction with chains or snow tires.

In my seven decades I've learned that it's the driver
who's "good in the snow". Or not...

Best of luck!

There have been numerous complaints about the traction control system's
behavior in snow, but quite often the problem is either the stock tires or
steep inclines, which will give most smaller FWD cars a problem.  The
traction control system is not an option; it is part of the hybrid system
because it is needed to prevent damage to the electric motor from
over-revving.

Oddly, we haven't had significant snow in the two winters I've had my Prius,
so I can't offer any first-hand experience.  I did change to better tires,
and I noticed a difference in general handling, cornering and wet
traction--but often the mileage suffers a little bit with better tires.  I
think it is generally accepted that the stock tires (Goodyear Integrity) are
not very good.

If you get lots of snow where you live, it's not clear that the Prius would
be the best choice.  That's strictly my opinion based on what I've read here
and on PriusChat.com, not from experience.  If you haven't already visited
PriusChat, I recommend it for more research on this topic.

- Doug

I've driven in blizzard-like conditions in my Prius. The Prius handles
remarkably well in the winter if you drive with safety in mind.

Driving in the snow is our one complaint on the Prius.  My conclusion is
that the tires suck in the snow.  I look forward to wearing them out and
getting better tires, and I am sure that I will agonize over the decision on
what tire to buy.
Tomes

On packed snow and ice, the Prius handles better than most, between
VSC, traction control and ABS. I had to work to make it skid on a test
drive.

It does not do well in deep snow (greater then 4-6 inches) because it
is so low to the ground. On very steep slippery slopes it may have
difficulty. The road to my house had a short grade that I had to get a
run on (going through a stop sign in the process).  If I had snow
tires, I would not have had a problem.

Real snow tires make all the difference.

I don't have a Prius yet... we're doing lots of research and waiting
for the third generation. That said, I've always been an advocate of
winter tires. As far as I'm concerned, "all season tires" is just
another way to say "summer tires." I had the opportunity to a number
of winters ago to test different kinds of winter tires on the same
vehicle. I had a car with winter studded tires on, and in February of
that year my wife bought the same car. Studded tires were no longer
available as it was late in the season and dealers were getting there
summer stock in. So we ended up getting Pirelli ice tires. I was
absolutely floored to see how much better her car with the ice tires
was in snow and ice and on hills than my own. Prior to that I thought
nothing could be better than studs. It seemed like having metal spikes
sticking out of your tires, digging into whatever you were driving on
would be about as secure as you be. I really could not believe the
amazing performance of the ice tires.

I agree with many of the other posts, in particular that good driving
habits make for better, safer driving in snow. But, at the same time,
I would encourage anyone who lives in a snowy climate to invest in a
good set of ice/snow tires. There is simply no comparing these to all
season tires.

When I do finally get my Prius, the first add-on I buy will be a good
set of ice tires.

Hope this helps.