I started using alcohol stoves long before I heard that little tidbit that they weren't good for winter. Never believed it.

Melting snow isn't the best use for 'em, but they'll boil water fine. The little backpacking models will boil water great but use a ton more fuel than I would want to carry to melt snow.
_________________________
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

http://hikeandbackpack.com