I live in New Hampshire, so we get about the same amount of snow as you. Last year I started commuting year round on an old Kona Unit that I bought on craigslist. I have to go up some hills, and I never found it too difficult. I threw some 26x1.95 Nokian Studded Tires on there, and the thing was pretty unstoppadle! Granted, last year we had a light winter, so we'll see if I change my tune after this next one. Here are some shots of it in action:

Night Bike 15 Color by UnbreakableComb, on Flickr


Night Bike 15 by UnbreakableComb, on Flickr