V70 Ideal Snow Tire Size 15/16/17

[wtsheff]

I have an 05 V70 up in the mountains, looking for a snow tire as the 17" performance tires completely suck.

Manual specs these sizes, TireRack keeps pointing me towards the 205/55/R16 - I want studded, and also want something that will play nice with chains?

My limited reading makes me think the skinnier, 15" tire/wheel combo is best?

V70
195/65R15
205/55R16
215/55R16
235/45R17
235/45R17 SSRFT2
Temporary spare tire
T125/80R17

Any advice?
Thanks!!