Were inspired by critique-and-ideas chat in official discord here
To make winter more interesting, and provide willing to play this season game will need something more than new salads, birds, etc., some additional mechanics unique for winter required
Challenge mechanic:
Snow Yeti. Can be found wandering on snow during winter. Strong as a troll or mammoth, valuable meat for variable food, high base quality, unique curio.
Would be cool if yeti will have mechanic to prevent cheesing or attacking from water by casting ice spikes from ground around him, which will make a circle of objects which will block projectiles or lock his target in this circle with him, to prevent running.
I believe yetis will worth for pro and mid tier player groups seek them during winter and have "fun" hunting.
Food mechanic:
Just make some additional mechanic that will allow you to eat more/receive less hunger/drop hunger faster, etc., which will give players motivation to play and cook during winter.