I always used to beard up during the winter too, but that was because I hated shaving. Now I love shaving so I can't see the beard returning anytime soon.
I grew one a few years back to be Santa at Christmas. I grew it thinking I could colour it, but as it grew out it was clear that I didn't have to worry about colouring it. Time had done that for me. That's the problem with being clean shaven for so long, it comes as a shock when you see how grey/white your beard is.