+1 on the IGH for winter, I run the Alfine 8. This is my 4th winter with it. I've only serviced it once last summer I had the shop do an overhaul just for preventative maintenance sake. I like the fact that I can switch to a single speed set of wheels in about 5 minutes, which I prefer in the warmer un-studded tire months.

Up until this year I've only run a single speed or an IGH in the winter. But this year I've been alternating rides with my fat bike which has the traditional derailleur set up and the difference in drive train upkeep is considerable. It makes me understand why people have beater bikes just for winter. I just don't like riding beaters.

The 8 speed gear range is plenty, the jumps between gears are a little wider but the trade off is worth it. Understand that an IGH is not going to shift and perform like a race bike. But in my mind if you are a dedicated winter cyclist and you want gears and something that is easy to maintain, then an IGH is the only way to go.