my job requires a once a week trip from sea level to about 5,500 feet. the last 10 miles or so will have a chains restriction (the police will stop cars from proceeding if they don't have chains, it's a California thing)

As I have Summer tires and don't want to spend a large chunk of change on winter wheels and tires for a once a week commute for 3 months many weeks won't require tham either...(12 total trips!)

is there a chain type that anyone could reccomend for such usage?

(yes, safety is the first concern, and I can get a ride if I park at chain control - however this week, the morning was clear and I drove to work, in the afternoon when I was leaving it had just started to snow)