One thing I learned being here in the Alps (snowing like crazy as I write) is that winter tires have different properties which have a direct impact on price. These properties are, softer rubber compound compound, higher traction, less speed, cheaper price, lower usage distance wise.
Harder rubber rubber compound, the faster you can drive, the longer the tire will live, but these tires are more expensive.
For example, I need on my juke a harder compound because I do a lot of autobahn driving, and as you know, there are no speed limits in sme places, and I also drive a lot. So I need tires I can rely on. In the past on my roadster which onle weighs 740kg with a very high power to weight ratio in snow meant I needed VERY good winter tires. That meant Continental Winter Sport Contacts which cost me a staggering €750. Last winter, I changed all the Radies tires and went for a very cheap brand because I knew I'd only use them for one winter. They were very soft, fantastic traction in snow and ice. I drove as normal meaning distance and average speeds on the autobahn of 170 where possible. Traction was always great, but the tires would be good for one more winter only.
In this area (The Alps), nokian are popular on front wheel drive cars.
Hope this helps.