For something to start out with, i would recomend the Traxxas slash. it is durable, upgradeable, and it is waterproof. the only thing is that you might want to get tires that could easily go in snow, something like paddles (
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXNPT2&P=ML)
Good luuck and happy driving!