What is your best advice for a first time winter backpacker.
I will start off here in michigan where its flat and the snow is not that deep.

I have done alot of backpacking and snowshoeing but never together, I know alot about layering and have an REI cirque 4 season tent, a bivy if I like, I own a 0 bag, gaitors and winter boots, along with good merino wool socks, I own 3 pair of MSR snowshoes, (work of an outdoor retailer)
I do plan to start out close to home on short overnight trips with less snow and toe warmers (not frostbite please)