yea definetly use the engine for braking, im assuming you have a 5spd? if you do keep it in 2nd when going down, dont pump the brakes cuz of the ABS but if your going to brake, apply them gently and in intervals, if you do slide the abs will kick in so just keep you foot planted on the pedal....if you in an automatic keep it in 2..depending on the grade of the hill maybe even 1 and no sudden turns or you'll just keep going straight..i love playin in snow in 2wd in open parkin lots so i've learned alot in the short time i've had my X, when it looses traction, its gone until it either hits something or does a 180 and stops...or so this is what my x does...also FYI try to stay away from the edge of the road, generally snow and ice like to pile up and pulls the wheels off onto the side..just take it slow