I use studded tires in the winter. We don't get crazy snow, and I really only need the snow bike 5-10 times a year, but when it's icy out I'm glad I have it cause I can ride with confidence which is really important with a long commute. In my experience, skinny tires only work ok with fresh, light snow. Once it's packed down or more than a couple inches deep, they suck. Before I had the studded tires I used my mountain bike and never had any problems.
__________________
