Volvo: Problems braking on ice, dry roads, sunny weather

Question
I have a 99 V70R Station Wagon.  It has just been relocated to a part of the country which has icy winters, after 7 years in sunny weather.  It has had the ABS replaced by a volvo mechanic (2 years ago).  The brakes work just fine on dry roads, and in cold snowy conditions as long as the pavement is free from ice.  However, when the section of the road has ice or snow, and I gradually apply the brake, there is a feeling as if a one cog of a gear is trying to fit into another, then it finds it's place and takes control of the car.  I am unable to control the brakes at this point, nor the steering.  It has caused me to run off the road into a ditch, but control was retuned as soon as I hit the ditch and the AWD allowed me to drive right out without a pause.  It happened as well, when I tried to make a turn on an icy road.  It locked and the wheels slid momentarily sideways, then it released control back to me again.  

I am thinking that with so much automatic in this vehicle, perhaps I am applying the brakes incorrectly.  Is there some special technique for icy roads with the volvo brakes?  Thanks for the answer.

Answer
Hi Michelle,this is rather tricky question,it is possible that the abs system is to sensitive but also possible that you have to get to know the brakes better,my advice is to go somewhere  you can drive and brake without interrupting traffic or hurt yourself and your car.