Dunno if it helps but just for info, ordered some Continental winters early Sept and was told that these were not going into production until w/c 1st Oct. They've only just arrived and are at the tyre dealer.
My local tyre dealer who did me a cracking price on these, tells me they are mega busy with winter tyres currently, mind you that's the North East of England.
These are Conti Winter Contact TS830P, our second set of these as were running both cars on them this year, they are superb, but not budget, but in my book worth every penny, got me out the poo a few times last year.
Guess more people are clued up this year.