If you're planning on riding in the ice and snow, then I'd seriously consider studs. I haven't ridden them myself... I had knobbies on my road bike years ago, and the couple of snow days were INTERESTING, then I walked for the couple of ice days.

Anyway, perhaps July is a good time to hunt for studs.

2015 Schwalbe Winter Reflex Wired MTB Hybrid Commuter Snow Ice Studded Bike Tyre | eBay
Kenda Klondike K946 26x1 95 Snow Tire Steel 168 Stud | eBay

You say 26" road... does it take MTB wheels too? It might not hurt to just hunt down a set of snow wheels and road wheels that you could quickly swap. Used MTB wheels are VERY CHEAP if you don't mind overhauling them.