Probably the sliding around that made it exciting.
Loved to drive my ol Jimmy/Bazer with snow and ice.
Didn't have ABS so could slam on the brakes locking all four tires up, shift to reverse, floor it, then let off the brakes. It stopped in less distance than on dry pavement. Just had to be careful to not start going backwards.
Have also driven over snow drifts that were taller than the whole truck. It would kind of just float on top of the deep snow.
Dad never said anything to me about that Jimmy, but he did have me show the 400cid I put in instead of the stock 305 to my Uncle. And I started getting 4 Wheeler and 4x4 and Offroad magazines from out of nowhere.