In short, peace and quiet. I really can't describe how sublime the quiet of a winter forest is.

Also, this may or may not be appealing to you, but I find it to be a humbling experience. Being alone in an empty winter forest really makes one feel insignificant. Not in the bad way of making one feel worthless, but instead in the way that makes your worries and aspirations seem trivial. I think it's a nice respite from the myriad concerns of daily life.

Nothing beats crunching snow on an early morning or late evening hike. NOTHING.

It's brilliant. Once you get moving you won't even notice the cold. A snow-filled forest is one of the quietest and most peaceful places you are likely to ever find.

If you live in a hilly deciduous area often times this is the only time of year you can see the grandeur of your surroundings.

Try snowshoeing