Alsobig, my issue is more the safety of mixed use ATV's and sleds. But in answer to your other question, I prefer a sled to an ATV, even for a short season. Sleds are much better on the frozen lake. During the spring, summer and fall, who needs land toys when there are water toys still to be used?
Maybe the answer to your complaint of paying the ORV fee for the full year and only using it a partial year would be for the state to pro-rate the fees for sleds versus ATV's. I would much prefer to pay only 1/4 of the fee since I can't use my sled during ATV season.

See you on the trails, not.