I spend about half the year riding in snow and ice. On SPD's pretty much scrapping the cleat and pedal and stomping on it works every time. I brush out the mechanism when it get uncooperative and spray in a bit of WD40 if necessary.

That being said I am considering getting a set of Crank Brothers Eggbeaters as they are supposed to shed snow better.

I've never lived somewhere where changing shoes at work wasn't a good idea whether it be the wet coast or frigid east or prairies. The work shoes last longer at the very least.

It's possible to get shoes pedals and cleats now for about a $100 and really they are easy as anything to use. As for performance, there is a reason nearly everyone less DH riders and free-stylers use them,