Two shots with lot's of potential. I like the look of both, but the blown out sky in both really take them down several notches. It's most noticable in #1. The blown out sky in #2 is not as bad as the overall feel of the shot is white because of the snow, but still it hurts the shot.
Back to #1, since the trees that poke up into the sky are being silhouetted anyway, using an ND grad would have solved your issue with the blown sky. The same goes for #2.
You're correct about the use of ND grad. Unfortunately I was in a hurry to shoot with my new purchase and left them in another bag!
A more considered approach should be my watchword!
