If you want someting to fly off snow (is there any in Alabama?) and for a quick build you could try a Sig AquaStar. It is cheap and goes together fast. It flys lousy off water but hand launch is easy and it flys nice and lands on grass or snow with no problem. I built mine without the pontoons and used electric power.
I am also considering the Black Star RC Excaliber pattern plane. But I can't find anyone who built this plane. It is "plans only" or "plans and un-cut wood". I looks like a nice project to build from scratch but I am unsure of the quality of the plans, etc..