Jen, having spent a fair few years of my life having to drive heavily snowed, sometimes very remote country roads I'd suggest you toss the following into the back of the Jeep, just in case....

- warm sleeping bag
- package of instant heat packs
- spare old one piece skidoo suit
- extra boots
- extra thick warm socks
- good working flashlight
- instant flares
- package of pb/cheese crackers and some juice boxes
- tow chain
- small shovel

You may never need any of this but one slide off the road and you'll be glad you have winter supplies in the back. It also came in handy more than once helping another driver out of a ditch or waiting with them for the tow truck. We used to just pack most of it in a big garbage bag in the back and keep the rest in a tub right beside it. I assume you carry a cell phone.

You might also want to find a big empty area and practise your slide control. I know you're a relatively new driver with a vehicle you're not totally used to so it's better for you to practise now how that Jeep handles in a controlled skid situation.

I never liked winter driving either but I found once I had practised skidding and had these cold weather supplies in the back, I felt a lot more confident it.