If you do go the studded tire route. I would suggest you start looking now for them. They tend to sell out in Dec. and Jan. I just checked out this years prices on Nokians and they've gone up alot. At least $20. Search around and you'll find a good price for them.
This will be my fifth winter riding in snow that doesn't even compare with what you'll be getting and I wouldn't even consider riding on ice or snow without them.