+1 for rwd with snow tires. an extra set of rims and tires from tire rack or something shouldn't be too bad, and if they're only being used a few times a year they'll last a while. coming from awd with all seasons that isn't all that great in the snow anyway, rwd seems pretty enticing.

 

Coming from a Z, I'm presuming you would prefer to stick with a RWD vehicle.

For the 5-6 times a year that you drive in snow to get to the slopes, go with a friend, rent a car or go Greyhound

Some people buy a pick-up truck because, just for example, they need to haul junk to the land-fill a couple times a year. I say rent something for 20 bucks (van or trailer) to perform that task. Don't let a few trips, with unusual circumstances, govern your vehicle purchasing decision. That doesn't make any sense to me.

 

I was going to say this -- perhaps more diplomatically. If you want an AT you might as well get the X.