Went through winter with a 55 series sidewall with a winter autocross session thrown in there. 215/55/17 to be exact.
(Pic Here
http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/...r/IMG_7670.jpg )
If you consider the fact that I was lowered, then I would say a 55 series sidewall wouldnt have any negative side effects in terms of snow buildup.
It is also very close to my 245/40/19 over all diameter for my summer set, which is a very accurate overall diameter for the speedometer.