The absolute vast majority of my critters were accessed by foot after driving main roads a smart car could get down, but when you need 4 wheel drive, you need it.
There's no substitute for chains, especially on ice but they're a total PIA to put on for small runs of nasty spots or icy hills. Way easier to flip the 4x4 switch, then go back to 2WD when you're through it. Sometimes 4x4 doesn't do squat for you if the ice is slick enough and you throw a hill into the mix. That's when chains are worth triple their weight in gold.
Just a couple things to think about.
