We go to Michigan's UP most every winter to x-country ski and snowshoe. We ALWAYS take a 'survival' pack with us in the trunk. Some of its contents are: large snow shovel (one trip we dug/helped 3 cars out of snow banks while just going between Marquette and Munising one day in bad weather), tow strap w come-a-long, jug of salt/sand mix, heavy work gloves and stocking hats, matches, candles...... Mountain area....I would add tire chains (some areas REQUIRED), sleeping bags, extra food (couple boxes of food bars would have long shelf life, not freeze and provide calories), first aid kit, flashlight and good detailed local maps. Have cell phone (and or CB) and make sure someone knows your trip and daily plans. Leaving the lodge for a day trip, tell people your plans. If you have everything you probably will not need it. If you don't then you will need it.
Our personal worst trip from hell was driving from Seney to Marquette at night in a white out. The trip from Detroit to Seney was great. The roads were dry and clear. Then we came into winds and snow off of Lake Superior. We drove the 75 miles at 10-20 mph depending on the snow. I focused on the road in front for tail lights (could see tail lights maybe 25-75 feet in front and road for 0-25 feet in the snow) and my wife watched the shoulder and guided me by saying it I was getting to close to the snow bank or drifting to far out into the road. Prayed that no one stopped on the road. No place to pull off (not that could be seen at least). The roads up there are well plowed in the winter but during snow storms with heavy winds you are on your own.