Have good snow tires. I recommended triple peak rated. Carry chains. Sometimes they are required for the areas you are talking about going. Practice putting the chains on before you go somewhere you might need them. Snow here is different because it’s wet due to general warmer temperatures in the transition areas so it can be very slick. Otherwise same as anywhere else when you get into the mountains. AWD is recommended but not required, but, when chains are required, AWD vehicles are typically exempt from it except in extreme conditions.