I love winter sports, but I think part of it has to do with the fact that the actual season for them around here is very short. I know this sounds weird for New England, but in the past 5 years, we have not had a lot of snow on the ground in the Boston area. Back in the mid nineties, we had a few winters in a row that were very snowy, and that's when I started x country skiing; I just went to the local ski area or golf courses and never experienced any real tough terrain. I didn't have the right clothes and often felt uncomfortable, but I loved the activity. Then we met our friends we ride with and they taught us about real nordic skiing. But, it mostly involves longer car trips up north.
This is the time of year I don't like. It's really cold right now, no snow. DH brought the bikes in and put them on the trainers yesterday. I have plans to ride outside Friday, but it's going to be freezing (30 for a high). I generally try to see this as a transition season, focusing on running and hiking outside, as well as on the treadmill, and upping the core work and yoga.
We plan our summer trips at this time of year and set some goals. I try to enjoy January and February for skiing and snow shoeing; by the end of February I am already thinking of getting the bike out. That usually happens by March 10, although sometimes there's another transition feeling in March, as it can snow a lot or be perfectly fine for riding.