PIP as a ski vehicle? Mountain snow performance?

Not sure what a 'pip' is in this context.

There's plenty of threads out there now on how the Prius handles in the snow. Basically expect it to behave like any other FWD vehicle, except apparently some 2004-2006 cars had a problem with traction control kicking in too early and not letting the tires spin at all. But usually a good set of snow tires solves most people's problems. I haven't had any problems on the OEM tires until they started going bald, but I don't live in the mountains. Most parts of the U.S. studded tires are illegal.

Do a search if you want more info, and add on to one of the existing threads.

 

PHEV or Plug-In-Prius (note which forum this is in), so the traction control problems on older models are not relevant.

To respond to OP - - -

From Seattle to The Summit/Stevens/Crystal, the OEM All-Season tires will be sufficient 90% of the time, for something between one-third to one-half their tread life. When better tires are needed, DOT will require chains or 4/All-wheel-drive west of the passes.

The AS tires will lose their winter suitability long before they approach baldness, and must be replaced or exiled to the other three seasons for the rest of their tread life. If you don't have much winter driving experience, or must cross the passes or head east for more than weekend recreational use, then consider real winter tires on separate rims.

For the <10% of the days when AS tires are not good enough -- check the DOT mountain pass reports -- you will need chains, all-wheel-drive (e.g. my normal ski car), a ski buddy with better equipment, a ski bus, or just stay home. Due to plenty of drivers lacking winter experience or adequate tires, DOT is quick to require chains west of the passes. Beyond the passes in areas where the locals are better prepared, treacherous roads are less likely to be posted for chains.

 

Use AutoSocks.

 

yes. and the plug in is for extended electric driving and not really relevent to anything to do with driving in ski country. also, the battery power is reduced in cold weather so it is even less relevent if that is possible.

 

No, the Pip can not be made less relevant.

 

I keep a set of chains in the back when I go up and down the rocky mountain passes but haven't needed them yet. I have a season pass to most of the Vail resorts (at least 6 within a couple hours of here) and the Prius has been to all of them in horrible snow storms. When else do you get such awesome powder?

Also 180cm skis fit perfectly in the hatch between the back of the front seats and rear hatch.

 

They do? Straight, or angled?

I didn't think my 177 or 174s fit straight, unless the tails were placed on the center console. They do fit straight in the Suby, which also doesn't have to stop at chain checkpoints.

But I do believe that the PIP will do just as well as the regular Prius and any other front wheel drive car. WSDOT normally closes the road, due to the large fraction of unskilled drivers with bad tires, before these cars become incapable of getting there.

 

A roof rack will degrade mileage.

10-15 miles of possible hard-packed nastiness are perfect conditions for AutoSock use. They do not do as well for a lot of miles and/or a mix of snow pack and pavement. One thing you can do is not use PHV on the way up, but save it all for the trip back down, which should be possible to complete using not a single drop of gas, modulo the need for interior cabin heat. The PHV has a PTC heater for engine coolant, which implies that the heater works on some level when starting out in electric mode. Maybe your or someone else can verify that when you get your hands on one of these cars.

 

Slightly angled, but as straight as can be really. I just fold down the little rear seat and stuff it in there. They slide slightly sideways but otherwise straight.

 

We get about 185 inches of snow/season with most of it lake effect. That being said I have a good set of snows on my car and that's all I've ever had. This is the 2nd front wheel drive car I've ever owned (the other a Pontiac Phoenix but we'll forget about that car) with the others being rear wheel drive trucks and cars. Never really had a problem and in fact has been the best vehicle I've ever owned as far as traction is concerned.

 

Certified PSIA and PMTS midwest ski instructor here. My skis fit better (not at an angle) in my Prius, with one seat down than another instructor's Lexus 4x4 with both seats down! Bring a big snow brush and an ice scraper. Be patient on those ice over nights. I us a blanket and a towel that keeps the carpet totally dry. The Prius does have low ground effects, so avoid soft, deep snow drifts. Tip: I've been using a plug in boot heater for the 90 minute ride to the hill.

 

I rechecked mine. The 174s need to be slightly angled, the 177s much more so, enough that the spouse's skis must go on top of them, not flat next to them, if the wider rear seat is up. Three people gets much messier than the Suby, which will take them all straight.

Even the Suby doesn't like the old nordic 215s inside. But it will chew through the unplowed trailheads much better.