Southern CA born and raised checking in.
Good advice above, will just add: when you get to the snow, get somewhere without many obstacles, like an empty parking lot so you can
Try to get the car loose, like do some donuts, cut the wheel hard, hit the brakes. This is good for a few reasons 1. You learn how maneuvers in the car affect the ability for the car to maintain traction, i.e. don't do donuts, cut the wheel hard or slam on the brakes when you're on the highway. 2. You get a feeling of how get out of a slide and back to traction, i.e. the feel of turning INTO a slide is NOT instinctual but its what you have to do when you've lost traction in the snow. 3. Both of these give you the confidence to know that even if you momentarily lose traction, you know how to get it back, reducing panic if/when it does happen.
Lastly I will say: just because the chains aren't required, doesn't mean its safe / all clear. Be aware of black ice, which looks like wet road, but is the slickest surface up there. Keep it slow, use pullouts for the people who have the setup for sh!tty driving conditions, and be safe!
Oh and have fun up there!
