I've been winter commuting near Minneapolis for 5 years. Until this year, I've used a SS MTB with studded tires for winter commuting, I've also been out on snowy/icy rides with my Kona Dew Drop (700x28). I write this to make it clear, I'm not new to winter commuting.

This year I got a Surly Pugsley. I got it for trail riding with the wife, but I've been using the Pugsley to commute most days this year. It is slower than the SS MTB; but the Pugsley is just so damn much fun!

Once or twice a week, I stop at the grocery store on the way home; there's a lake between the store and my house. With the Pugsley, I just ride down the boat ramp and cut across the lake; with the MTB you need to follow the roads around the lake.

This morning, I got a reminder that I don't have studs on the Pugsley, and for ice, you still need studs. Thankfully I stayed rubber-side down.

I would be hard-pressed to recommend a fatbike for commuting, but for pure fun, heck yeah!